Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. This recipe adds an extra layer of flavor by roasting the tomatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a richer taste. The traditional Caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is named after the island of Capri in Italy. This version, with roasted tomatoes, offers a warm and comforting variation that is perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomatoes
- 4 large tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Salad
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Roasting the Tomatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Assembling the Salad
- Prepare the Mozzarella and Basil: While the tomatoes are cooling, slice the fresh mozzarella and wash the basil leaves.
- Arrange the Ingredients: On a large serving platter, arrange the roasted tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and basil leaves alternately to create a beautiful pattern.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Roasting Time: Make sure to keep an eye on the tomatoes while roasting to prevent them from burning. The goal is to achieve a slight caramelization.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil you can find for the best flavor.
Variations
- Roasted Tomato Caprese Sandwich: Turn this salad into a delicious sandwich by layering the ingredients between slices of crusty bread.
- Baked Caprese Salad: For a warm and comforting dish, layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Different Cheeses: Substitute the mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture, or use goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and shorter roasting time.
- Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, make a quick reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
This Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter, side dish, or even a light main course. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful dishes.