Christmas Candy Cane Caprese Salad (Printable)
Festive holiday Caprese arranged in a candy cane shape with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds
03 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
→ Garnish & Dressing
04 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 - Coarse sea salt, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Alternate tomato and mozzarella slices on a large serving platter, forming a candy cane shape. Overlap each slice slightly to create distinct red and white stripes.
02 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices throughout the arrangement for vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
03 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad. Add balsamic glaze in a fine zigzag pattern across the candy cane or serve on the side for individual drizzling.
04 - Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and coarse sea salt generously over the salad according to personal preference.
05 - Present the salad right away while the ingredients are at peak freshness and the candy cane pattern maintains its visual appeal.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It looks like you spent hours arranging it, but honestly it takes about as long as opening a bag of chips
- The classic Italian flavors somehow feel fresh and exciting again when presented this way
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients matter, so take everything out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start assembling
- The candy cane shape works best on a rectangular or oval platter, so round serving dishes will fight you on this one
03 -
- Use a serrated knife for the cleanest tomato slices, and wipe the blade between cuts to keep the red from bleeding onto the white
- Pat your mozzarella slices gently with paper towels before arranging to prevent a watery situation