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    Home » Appetizers » Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

    Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

    August 25, 2022 , Updated June 11, 2024 Maria 4 Comments

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    A Pinterest pin of a Cherry tomato Caprese salad in a white serving platter.

    Use ripe cherry tomatoes and high-quality ingredients to create the best-tasting Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad. This simple and tasty Italian appetizer takes very little time to make. You can also enjoy it as a main meal.

    Cherry tomato Caprese salad in a white serving platter.
    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • What is Caprese Salad?
    • Why use Cherry Tomatoes?
    • How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • More Italian appetizers
    • Serving suggestion
    • Recipe origin
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    Italian cuisine is dedicated to using fresh, simple, high-quality ingredients.

    Whether it is a classic Margherita pizza, or a more elaborate dish like parmigiana di melanzane, commonly referred to as baked eggplant parmesan, the focus is always on using the best ingredients and letting them shine.

    This philosophy extends to salads as well. A prime example is this Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes.

    A close up photo of a caprese salad with cherry tomatoes.

    What is Caprese Salad?

    A classic Caprese salad is an Italian dish that traditionally consists of fresh mozzarella, sun-kissed tomatoes, garden fresh sweet basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. It is named for the Island of Capri, where it is said to have originated.

    Over the years, Caprese salad has evolved. While the classic version is still very popular, you will now find variations that include everything from the addition of balsamic glaze to avocado to grilled chicken.

    This recipe calls for cherry tomatoes in place of the usual heirloom variety.

    Why use Cherry Tomatoes?

    Cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and delicious. They can be easily skewered and served as an appetizer, transformed into a roasted tomato sauce, grilled alongside other Italian vegetables to create a delicious vegetable side dish, or a simple addition to an Italian potato salad for a burst of flavor and color.

    They are the star of the show in this perfect summer salad. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and the earthy basil. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil pulls all the vibrant flavors together.

    Although this dish is incredibly simple, it is important to use good quality ingredients to get the best results. That means using fresh mozzarella, in-season cherry tomatoes and good-quality olive oil.

    Ingredients needed to make a caprese salad.

    How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

    The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You can create a delicious and healthy salad with just a few ingredients and 4 simple steps.

    Cherry tomatoes in the process of being fried with a tea towel.

    Step 1: Prep the fresh tomatoes

    Start by placing about 1-1½ pounds (about 3 cups) of colorful cherry tomatoes in a colander. Rinse them with cool water and then let them drain well. Dry them off with a clean tea towel.

    Sliced cherry tomatoes on a cutting board.

    Next, slice them in half using a serrated knife. Cut the tomatoes from top to bottom. If you use larger cherry tomatoes, you may want to quarter them instead.

    Spread them out on a large serving platter. Season lightly with a little salt.

    A photo collage of a caprese salad on a white serving platter.

    Step 2: Add the mozzarella cheese

    Next, we will add the fresh, whole milk mozzarella balls, cow’s milk or buffalo. For this recipe, you will need a total of 8 ounces. For a visually appealing salad, tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. You can also cut the mozzarella balls into quarters if you prefer.

    Add the torn fresh mozzarella to the platter with the cherry tomatoes.

    Step 3: Add some fragrant basil

    Now, it’s time to add the fresh basil leaves. There are a few options.

    You can tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces or leave them whole, which is how I decided to garnish my salad. Smaller basil leaves work best. 

    If desired, you can also create a basil chiffonade. This is a fancy way of saying basil ribbons. To create, stack the basil leaves on top of each other. Roll them up tightly and then slice the roll into thin strips. This creates long, thin ribbons of basil that you can garnish the salad with.

    A caprese salad made with cherry tomatoes on a white plate.

    Step 4: Let’s season properly

    The last step is to season the salad.

    Start by drizzling extra-virgin olive oil over the top. You can use a spoon or a measuring cup with a pour spout. I like to use about ¼ cup, but you can adjust according to your taste.

    After adding the olive oil, season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 

    Allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.

    Tips

    • Use the best quality ingredients you can find. This means using fresh mozzarella, in-season ripe tomatoes, and high-quality olive oil.
    • Cutting the cherry tomatoes in half makes it easier for them to release their juices and mix them with the other simple ingredients. It is also easier for your fork to pierce through a cut cherry tomato than a whole one.
    • Properly season the tomatoes and mozzarella with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
    • Use room temperature mozzarella for the best flavor.
    • Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces for a more visually appealing salad.
    • Tear your basil with your hands rather than using a knife to slow the oxidation process. This will keep your basil looking green and healthy for a slightly longer period.
    • If you’re looking to make a basil chiffonade, use a plastic knife instead of a metal one–this will prevent bruising the leaves.
    A close up photo of a caprese salad with cherry tomatoes.

    FAQ

    Can I use mozzarella pearls in this recipe?

    Yes, you can use any size of mozzarella balls. If using mozzarella pearls, you can leave them whole. If using larger mozzarella balls, you may want to make them into bite-sized pieces.

    Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    I don’t recommend making the salad more than an hour in advance. The tomatoes will release their juices, and the flavor won’t be as fresh. This salad is best enjoyed ideally within 15 minutes. Avoid refrigerating before serving.

    What type of olive oil should I use?

    I recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This will give the salad a fruity flavor and rich texture.

    More Italian appetizers

    Another great Italian appetizer that features tomatoes is bruschetta. This dish is made by toasting bread and then topping it with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

    Looking for more Italian appetizer ideas? Check out our collection of easy Italian appetizers, from classics like Caprese salad to giardiniera to modern twists on old favorites, like this caponata recipe.

    Serving suggestion

    The soft texture and open crumb of focaccia bread is visible.

    Italian Focaccia

    Do as Italians would and enjoy this simple salad as an appetizer or main meal with some crusty bread or this Italian focaccia recipe. Perfect for mopping up those tomato juices! 

    GET THE RECIPE

    Recipe origin

    Insalata Caprese was one of my mom’s signature dishes. I can still recall my mom making this cherry tomato salad on hot summer days with little effort. She would use the fresh ingredients from the backyard garden to create a delicious salad.

    It’s no wonder this is one of my favorite salads.

    I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    ★★★★★ If you have made this easy Caprese salad recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    Cherry tomato Caprese salad in a white serving platter.

    Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

    Use ripe cherry tomatoes and high-quality ingredients to create the best-tasting Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad. This simple and tasty Italian appetizer takes very little time to make. You can also enjoy it as a main meal.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Appetizer or Main Meal
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 198kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
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    Ingredients

    • 3 cups cherry tomatoes fresh, rinsed and dried, about 1-1½ pounds
    • 8 ounces mozzarella fresh, room temperature
    • 20 leaves basil fresh, rinsed
    • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
    • ½ teaspoon coarse salt or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

    Instructions

    • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half using a serrated knife. Cut the tomatoes from top to bottom. If you use larger cherry tomatoes, you may want to quarter them instead.
    • Spread them out on a large serving platter. Season lightly with a little salt.
    • Tear off the mozzarella and place the pieces on top of the cherry tomatoes, throughout the platter.
    • Garnish with basil leaves. Leave the basil leaf intact if small and tender. Otherwise, tear it into small pieces.
    • Drizzle olive oil over the entire platter.
    • Season with coarse salt and black pepper.
    • Allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
    Enhance Your Cooking Experience!SCROLL UP for essential step-by-step photos embedded in the article above. When available, videos can be found in the next section. These visuals are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time. Happy cooking!

    Video

    Notes

    • This salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making, ideally within 15 minutes.
    • Use the best quality ingredients you can find. This means using fresh mozzarella, in-season ripe tomatoes, and high-quality olive oil.
    • Cutting the cherry tomatoes in half makes it easier for them to release their juices and mix them with the other simple ingredients. It is also easier for your fork to pierce through a cut cherry tomato than a whole one.
    • Properly season the tomatoes and mozzarella with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
    • Use room temperature mozzarella for the best flavor.
    • Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces for a more visually appealing salad.
    • Tear your basil with your hands rather than using a knife to slow the oxidation process. This will keep your basil looking green and healthy for a slightly longer period.
    • If you’re looking to make a basil chiffonade, use a plastic knife instead of a metal one–this will prevent bruising the leaves.
    What to serve with Caprese salad? Caprese salad is usually served as an appetizer so make sure to offer some crusty Italian bread to mop up all the tomato juices left behind. It is also great with Italian Focaccia Recipe.
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1062IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 304mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Main Dishes

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a retired dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Val

      September 10, 2022 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      Such a colorful combination for a summer salad! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Maria

        September 10, 2022 at 9:24 pm

        Thanks so much Val! It really is such a tasty salad!

        Reply
    2. Sherry

      August 30, 2022 at 1:50 am

      I do many versions of this, use the mini mozza balls and always drizzle with a bit of aged balsamic and change out the oils using basil flavored, avocado oil, Italian oil, etc.

      Reply
      • Maria

        August 30, 2022 at 6:41 am

        Thanks so much for sharing Sherry! So many delicious variations!!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian (retired) and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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