Caprese Salad Christmas Wreath
Caprese Salad Appetizer Wreath- A festive presentation of the popular Italian caprese appetizer! Ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella get a punch of flavor from olive oil, herbs, red pepper flakes and are garnished with fresh basil . A balsamic reduction dipping sauce gives this appetizer the WOW factor. Ready in 15 mins.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 204kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-3 handfuls of fresh basil
- 12 oz grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 10 oz. fresh small mozzarella balls sometimes called ciliegine or brocconcini
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped*
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped*
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped*
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- pinch of garlic powder
- course ground salt & pepper to taste
- additional fresh basil and/or rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Toothpicks/cocktail picks for serving
Instructions
- Combine vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until liquid boils, reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid has reduced by about one-third and become thick like syrup. ( approx 8-10 mins)
- While balsamic is reducing prepare the "wreath" by using a round plate or serving platter (8-10" in diameter). Lay basil leaves on the plate/platter.to cover the surface. Place a small round bowl or ramekin in the center of the plate ( for balsamic reduction sauce and to form the middle of the wreath).
- Wash and dry tomatoes and drain mozzarella balls. Place in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl mix together olive oil, herbs, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Pour over tomatoes and mozzarella. Toss to lightly coat.
- Place tomatoes and mozzarella on the serving platter, and add course ground salt and pepper to taste. If desired place fresh sprigs of rosemary at the perimeter of the plate for an extra flair.
- Pour balsamic reduction sauce in the center bowl/ramekin and garnish with chopped or whole small basil leaves.
Notes
* In lieu of individual herbs you can use 1 ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
Serving: 8servings | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg