Description
Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a warm, flavorful twist on the classic Caprese, featuring caramelized cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This easy-to-make dish offers intensified tomato sweetness through roasting, balanced with rich olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer, light meal, or elegant side, it captures the essence of summer with vibrant colors and deep roasted flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), torn or sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Pantry Staples
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
- Optional: 2 garlic cloves, smashed
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and optionally add smashed garlic cloves. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes become soft, caramelized, and slightly blistered.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and arrange them on a large serving platter or individual plates. Tear or slice the fresh mozzarella balls and scatter them evenly over the warm tomatoes.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them generously over the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella. The residual warmth will release the basil’s essential oils, enhancing the salad’s aroma and flavor.
- Drizzle the Dressing: Finish by drizzling extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze or reduction evenly over the entire salad. Add an extra pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the tomatoes are still warm.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes: Choose the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread tomatoes in a single layer to roast evenly and caramelize properly.
- Quality mozzarella is key: Use fresh mozzarella with high moisture content for the best texture contrast.
- Be gentle with basil: Add basil after roasting to keep its flavor fresh and vibrant.
- Balsamic glaze balance: Use balsamic glaze sparingly to prevent overpowering the delicate flavors of tomato and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg