Name: Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling); Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, perfectly complementing fresh mozzarella and basil. It’s an easy, elegant salad that shines as a starter or a light meal.

A white oval dish holds three stacks of grilled tomato and cheese slices arranged vertically. Each stack starts with a base of grilled tomato slices, bright red with charred black grill marks. Above each tomato layer lies a thick slice of melted, creamy white cheese also grilled with golden brown spots. The tomato and cheese layers alternate, topped with fresh chopped green herbs and whole basil leaves, with a glossy drizzle of olive oil pooling at the bottom. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
Step 2: Wash the Roma tomatoes and halve them lengthwise.
Step 3: Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the tomatoes are evenly coated.
Step 6: Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut sides facing up.
Step 7: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly before assembling the salad.
Step 9: Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Step 10: On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange the roasted tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves in an alternating pattern.
Step 11: Drizzle the salad with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 12: If using, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad.
Step 13: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 14: Serve the Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad immediately for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use heirloom tomatoes for a colorful and sweeter variation.
If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast whole garlic cloves alongside the tomatoes instead of minced garlic.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added with the dried herbs for extra aroma.
For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with sliced avocado or vegan cheese.
Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep dressing separate until serving if possible. Reheat roasted tomatoes gently in the oven or microwave before assembling. Fresh basil and mozzarella are best added just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The dish shows three thick slices of white mozzarella cheese at the bottom, each with black grill marks and a smooth, soft texture. On top of the cheese, there are six grilled tomato halves with bright red skins and dark grill marks visible on their cut sides. The tomatoes and cheese are garnished with fresh green basil leaves scattered around and small herb pieces sprinkled over everything. The whole dish is served on a white plate with a glossy dressing or olive oil adding a shiny look. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use cherry or heirloom tomatoes, but adjust roasting time accordingly as smaller tomatoes might cook faster.

Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?

You can roast the tomatoes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.