Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

When tomatoes are in season, they are plentiful and delicious. Delicious enough to be the star of any meal. This chopped cherry tomato caprese salad recipe is similar to a Bruschetta recipe, or a caprese sandwich recipe where the tomato is dressed in olive oil, some acid, in this case balsamic vinaigrette, and seasoned with fresh herbs. Adding the Buffalo mozzarella makes this a heartier salad and also qualifies it as a caprese. A traditional cherry tomato caprese salad recipe from Italy involves layering tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil together and seasoning with olive oil, salt and pepper. By chopping the ingredients and tossing them together with a dressing and some other ingredients, we’ve created our own twist that can be used in place of pico de gallo, salsa and pesto, and therefore makes an excellent topping for grilled meats, toasted bread or even add pasta for a quick pasta salad.

Equipment Needed for this Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

• Knife and cutting board

• Small jar or container with a lid

• Mixing bowl

Ingredients Needed for this Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

• 1/2 C olive oil

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

• 1 heaping tablespoon of pesto

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 16 oz package of grape or cherry tomatoes

• 1 log of Buffalo mozzarella or 1 8oz container of Buffalo mozzarella pearls (small rounds)

• 1/2 red onion, diced

• 1 heaping tablespoon of capers, rinsed

• Several basil leaves, rolled and sliced into a chiffonade

Preparation of this Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe:

1. In a small jar or tight-lidded container, add the balsamic vinaigrette (balsamic vinegar is a good substitute to the vinaigrette), olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, capers and pesto. Cover and shake well to combine.

2. Rinse the tomatoes and allow to dry. Cut in halves and place in the mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly with the dressing to coat. This will give the tomatoes time to marinate in some of the dressing, which gives this cherry tomato caprese salad recipe and added zest.

3. Cut the mozzarella in pieces a similar size to the tomato halves. Add to the bowl. Add the onions and capers. Toss with additional dressing to coat thoroughly.

   

   Chop ingredients before mixing

4. To serve, this cherry tomato caprese salad recipe can be eaten as is, atop of greens, as pictured. Another wonderful use of this tossed chopped salad is on a hearty piece of toasted bread, served like a Bruschetta. Whatever way you choose to use this cherry tomato caprese salad recipe, be sure to garnish with fresh chopped basil.

Enjoy this delicious caprese salad recipe as a side dish to a main course or as an appetizer dish.