Description
This Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a flavorful and elegant twist on the classic Italian Caprese. Slow-roasted plum tomatoes become sweet and concentrated, perfectly paired with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create a refreshing appetizer that’s ideal for summer gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes and Seasoning
- 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Herbs
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Optional
- Drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C) to gently roast the tomatoes, allowing their flavors to concentrate without burning.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Arrange the halved tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle sugar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper over the tomatoes creating a balanced seasoning layer.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The tomatoes should become soft, slightly shriveled, and infused with rich, concentrated flavors. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: On a platter, alternate layers of roasted tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the layers to add brightness and aroma.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil or a balsamic glaze for additional flavor enhancement. Serve the salad at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Perfect for summer gatherings or as an elevated appetizer.
- You can roast the tomatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge with a splash of oil to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
