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Heart-Shaped Caprese Salad Recipe


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4.4 from 21 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad to add richness and enhance the flavors.
  5. Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the ingredients beautifully.
  6. Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper lightly over the salad to taste, enhancing all the flavors.
  7. 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