This Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic caprese salad. With slow-roasted plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this dish is packed with rich, caramelized flavors. The balsamic vinegar and olive oil add the perfect touch of tang, making it a fantastic option for any occasion, especially during the summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds removed

• ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1½ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 16 oz fresh salted mozzarella, sliced

• 12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions

1. Roast the Tomatoes:
   Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Arrange the halved tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Roast for 2 hours until the tomatoes become concentrated and caramelized. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Mozzarella:
   Slice the mozzarella slightly less than ½ inch thick. If the slices are larger than the tomatoes, cut them in half.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   Arrange the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella in layers on a platter. Scatter the julienned basil over the top, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Serve:
   Serve the salad at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 128g)

• Calories: 320

• Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 360mg

• Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Dietary Fiber: 7g

• Protein: 11g

The Magic of Roasting Tomatoes

Roasting the tomatoes is what sets this recipe apart from a traditional caprese salad. Slow-roasting the plum tomatoes at a low temperature (275°F/135°C) for about 2 hours brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors. The roasting process also softens the tomatoes, making them slightly caramelized while maintaining their juicy texture. The tomatoes become more concentrated, which deepens their flavor and gives the salad a rich, savory base. This slow-roasted twist takes the caprese salad to the next level, enhancing the flavor and giving it a more substantial taste profile.

Once roasted, the tomatoes cool to room temperature, allowing their flavor to settle, making them the perfect complement to the mozzarella and basil. The end result is a medley of sweet, tangy, and savory tastes that harmonize beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

Fresh Mozzarella and Basil: Classic, Creamy, and Fragrant

As with any caprese salad, fresh mozzarella is a key ingredient. In this recipe, salted mozzarella is used, which adds a slightly briny touch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. The mozzarella slices are slightly less than ½ inch thick, making them substantial enough to stand up to the concentrated flavors of the roasted tomatoes while still allowing them to melt in your mouth.

The fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal element to the salad. Julienned basil is scattered over the top, providing bursts of color and flavor. The basil perfectly balances the richness of the mozzarella and the tanginess of the roasted tomatoes, completing the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish. The basil’s peppery flavor cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, making every bite more enjoyable.

A Flavorful Balsamic Vinaigrette

The balsamic vinegar in the dressing adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Paired with olive oil, the balsamic vinegar creates a silky dressing that lightly coats the salad, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. The garlic in the marinade infuses the tomatoes with a subtle but impactful flavor, while the sugar, salt, and pepper add just the right touch of seasoning to bring everything together.

The dressing is simple yet flavorful, highlighting the natural ingredients while giving the dish a bright, tangy finish. It’s a perfect complement to the richness of the roasted tomatoes and the smooth, creamy mozzarella.

Simple Assembly and Serving

Once the tomatoes have roasted and cooled to room temperature, it’s time to assemble the salad. The tomatoes and mozzarella are arranged in layers on a platter, creating an inviting visual display. The layers of mozzarella and roasted tomatoes are artfully placed to create a beautiful and colorful dish. Julienned basil is scattered over the top, adding vibrant green color and an herbaceous note. A final drizzle of olive oil over the top enhances the salad’s richness and helps bind the flavors together.

For the best flavor experience, it’s recommended to serve this salad at room temperature. This allows the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to retain their full flavor and texture, offering a more complete taste experience.

A Perfect Summer Dish for Any Occasion

This Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a perfect dish for summer gatherings, whether it’s a casual BBQ, a picnic, or a more formal dinner party. The slow-roasted tomatoes make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress guests. The bright colors, rich flavors, and simple presentation make it ideal for any occasion, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

This salad also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish, and makes a perfect side dish for an Italian-inspired meal. It’s light, fresh, and healthy, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. You can even serve it as a light main course for a vegetarian option.

A Nutrient-Packed Salad

Not only does this Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad taste incredible, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with 18g of healthy fats, including unsaturated fats from olive oil. The mozzarella provides a source of protein and calcium, making the salad a nutritious addition to any meal.

The tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits. The fresh basil also provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and vitamin A. Additionally, the dish offers a good amount of fiber from the tomatoes, making it a filling and healthy option.

Conclusion: A Rich, Flavorful Summer Salad

In conclusion, the Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad offers a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic caprese salad that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a harmonious dish. With the slow-roasted tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is a celebration of summer’s best ingredients. The balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing adds a tangy finishing touch, making it a versatile dish that works well for any occasion. Serve it as a side or light main course, and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors that this dish brings to the table. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner or simply enjoying a light meal, this salad will surely become a favorite.