Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is a fast, easy and delicious recipe! It can be eaten all year round, but it tastes best in the summertime when the tomatoes and basil are freshest and in season.

The tomatoes taste extra sweet and delicious when paired with fresh basil. So let’s start!

Recipe Origin

This recipe for Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is based on the classic insalata Caprese, but a smaller mini version!

The classic version of this salad is made by slicing a ball of fresh mozzarella and a large tomato, and then layering on a plate by alternating slices of tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. Finally seasoning with extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Source)

In this version of Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, we use cherry (and grape tomatoes), mini bocconcini and finely chopped basil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s easy and fast to make
2. It makes a great snack
3. No cooking is involved

What You Need For This Recipe

Ingredients for Caprese Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

First you will need the following ingredients for the main salad:

1. Grape and/or Cherry Tomatoes Heirloom Tomatoes,
2. Mini Bocconcini, and
3. Fresh Basil.

Then you will need the following 4 ingredients to make the Caprese dressing:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
2. Balsamic Vinegar,
3. Sea Salt, and
4. Fine Ground Black Pepper.

Tools

For this recipe you will need the following:

1. Medium-sized bowl,
2. Slotted Spoon or small colander to drain the bocconcini,
3. Measuring Cups (1/4 cup, 1 cup) or a Scale,
4. Measuring Spoons (1/8 teaspoon, teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, tablespoon), and
5. Spoon To Mix Salad

Step by Step Instructions

First you will need to wash the tomatoes.

Then using a cutting board, cut the tomatoes in half and place in a medium-sized bowl.

Next finely chop the basil and also add it to the bowl.

Finally measure out the mini bocconcini, drain them of any excess liquid, and add them to the bowl of tomatoes.

Caprese Dressing

Once you have prepped the main ingredients, measure out the extra virgin olive oil and drizzle over the salad.

Then measure out the balsamic vinegar and pour over the salad.

Now measure out the sea salt and sprinkle over salad.

Finally, add the finely ground pepper and mix with the spoon.

Serve and Enjoy! That’s it! Easy.

Recipe Tips

This salad can certainly be eaten as an appetizer, but it can also be served as a side dish or snack.

It can also be used as a base for other dishes. For example,

1. Add some protein, like chicken, to make it a lunch,
2. Add some beans and make a white bean Caprese salad,

FAQs

Can I add additional seasoning to the salad?

Sure, you can try adding your favorite seasonings. Some suggestions are dried garlic, fresh green onion and dried oregano.

What if I don’t have bocconcini? What else can I use?

If you have a large mozzarella ball, that can be cut into small pieces/cubes.

Are there other vegetables/fruits I can add to the salad?

Olives, Avocado or cucumber might be some ideas to try adding to the salad.

Related Recipes

Insalata Caprese

Caprese Bites

Caprese Skewers

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