Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

Meet your new favorite summer starter: Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad. This twist on a classic balances juicy, caramelized tomatoes with creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of golden olive oil—making every bite absolute magic. It’s a dish you’ll want to make all season long, whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to something utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can create such a show-stopping salad. Each element in this Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad brings its own magic—adding color, flavor, and that perfect, summery balance of textures.

• Cherry Tomatoes (500g/18oz): Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes—their natural sugars caramelize beautifully during roasting.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Lightly crushed garlic cloves infuse the tomatoes and olive oil with mellow, aromatic flavor—but remember to remove them before serving.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup): A good quality oil makes all the difference here, lending silkiness and depth to the roasted tomatoes and salad dressing.
• White Granulated Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch helps coax out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and encourages caramelization in the oven.
• Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a classic Mediterranean herbal note that complements both tomatoes and mozzarella perfectly.
• Sea Salt Flakes (1/4 teaspoon + extra): Enhances flavors and adds a delicate crunch; sprinkle a little extra on just before serving for a restaurant-worthy finish.
• Fresh Mozzarella (170g/6oz ball): Tear into rustic pieces so you get those glorious milky, creamy bites scattered throughout the salad.
• Fresh Basil (1/4 cup): Use small leaves whole, or gently tear larger ones for bursts of aromatic, peppery flavor.

Variations

One of the joys of Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad is just how easy it is to make your own, whether you’re swapping ingredients based on what’s on hand or putting your own twist on this Mediterranean favorite. Let your taste buds—and creativity—lead the way!

• Add a balsamic glaze: Drizzle a thick, syrupy balsamic reduction over the top just before serving for extra tangy-sweet complexity.
• Try burrata in place of mozzarella: Swap the mozzarella for lush, creamy burrata if you want an even more decadent experience.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle hit of heat.
• Boost with other herbs: Mix in a little fresh thyme, chives, or oregano along with the basil for extra garden-fresh flavor.
• Go vegan: Use a plant-based mozzarella or creamy cashew cheese to keep things dairy-free but still delicious.

How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and patting them dry. If your tomatoes are on the larger side, halve them for even roasting; smaller ones can stay whole, but pierce them with a knife to prevent bursting. This simple prep step ensures you get perfectly soft, juicy tomatoes every time.

Step 2: Toss with Flavor

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the tomatoes with the gently crushed garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, sugar, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of sea salt. Each tomato will be coated in this fragrant, olive-oil bath, ready to soak up loads of flavor in the oven.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned tomatoes and garlic in a non-reactive baking dish (think ceramic, glass, or stainless steel to avoid any “tinny” flavors). Roast at 180°C (355°F) for 30–40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are visibly softened, caramelized, and starting to slump. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 4: Cool and Assemble

Let the roasted tomatoes cool to room temperature, then remove the garlic cloves. Arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter, add torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, and tuck in plenty of basil leaves. Don’t forget to pour those irresistible roasting juices over everything for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, give the Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad a sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes. For an optional flourish, drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze or a little more olive oil, and serve with slices of crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

How to Serve Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad with a flourish—a final drizzle of golden olive oil, a scattering of sea salt flakes, and a few extra fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fragrance. If you love tang, a slick of balsamic glaze never hurts!

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a standalone appetizer but is just as brilliant alongside grilled meats, roast chicken, or buttery fish. Serve with crusty sourdough or toasted ciabatta to soak up every drop of those sweet tomato juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the salad family-style on a rustic platter, or portion it into small individual bowls for an elegant dinner party first course. For picnics, spoon portions into jars—layers of tomato, mozzarella, and basil look irresistible on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, let the salad come to room temperature before serving, as the aromas and sweetness are more pronounced when the tomatoes aren’t cold.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—fresh mozzarella and tomatoes lose their lovely texture after thawing. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh, or use leftover roasted tomatoes in pasta sauces for a delicious twist.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. If the roasted tomatoes have been chilled, simply let them sit out for 20–30 minutes before assembling the salad for bright flavor and perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that celebrates the beauty of summer produce and easy elegance, make Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad your go-to. It’s colorful, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress—so gather your ingredients and savor every glorious bite!

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