Description
Heart-Shaped Caprese Salad is a fresh and elegant appetizer that combines juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. Artfully arranged in a romantic heart shape and finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and sweet balsamic glaze, this salad is perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any romantic gathering. It’s simple to prepare yet visually stunning, offering a delightful blend of flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, quantity as needed
Dairy
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
Pantry
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Arrange Tomatoes: Lay the sliced tomatoes on a serving plate, carefully positioning them to form the shape of a heart. This serves as the base and outline for your salad.
- Add Mozzarella Slices: Place the mozzarella slices between the tomato slices along the heart shape, alternating to create visual contrast and an even distribution of flavors.
- Insert Basil Leaves: Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the layers of tomato and mozzarella, allowing the aromatic herbal notes to be evenly dispersed throughout the salad.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad to add richness and enhance the flavors.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the ingredients beautifully.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper lightly over the salad to taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Serve: Present the salad immediately to maintain freshness and optimal texture for your guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Use tomatoes and mozzarella of similar size to achieve the best visual presentation.
- For a fun variation, slice cherry tomatoes and create smaller heart shapes for bite-sized portions.
- Add avocado slices for a creamy twist that pairs well with the classic ingredients.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and the flavors vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian