These Mini Caprese Salad Cups are a light, colorful appetizer that delivers the classic flavors of Caprese salad in a convenient, individual serving. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves, all gently tossed in olive oil and drizzled with balsamic glaze, this recipe is ideal for parties, picnics, or elegant snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Caprese Salad Cups are the perfect combination of ease, presentation, and taste. They come together in just minutes and require no cooking, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining. Their individual portions make serving effortless, and the classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil is always a crowd-pleaser. This appetizer is not only visually appealing but also healthy and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: toothpicks or mini forks for serving
- Mini ramekins or small serving cups
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and drained mozzarella balls.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into mini ramekins or small serving cups.
- Add a fresh basil leaf to each cup for a decorative and flavorful garnish.
- Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, with mini forks or toothpicks if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 mini cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
Variations
- Skewer Style: Thread the ingredients onto cocktail skewers for a handheld version.
- Add Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use Heirloom Tomatoes: Mix different colors and types of cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
- Herbed Oil: Infuse the olive oil with garlic or herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based mozzarella alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
These salad cups are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the basil separate until serving to maintain its color and texture. Do not freeze. There is no reheating required, as this is a chilled or room-temperature dish.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture a few hours in advance. Add basil and final drizzle of glaze just before serving.
How do I keep the basil from wilting?
Add basil only at the last moment or keep it refrigerated in a damp paper towel until ready to use.
What is the best type of mozzarella for this recipe?
Use mozzarella pearls or ciliegine, as they are bite-sized and pair well with cherry tomatoes.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of glaze?
Balsamic vinegar is more liquid and tangy; balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter. For best presentation, glaze is recommended.
Are these cups suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve these warm?
This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. Heating is not recommended.
What other herbs can I use besides basil?
Fresh oregano or thyme can work, but basil offers the classic Caprese flavor.
How many cups does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 mini cups, perfect for small gatherings or as part of an appetizer spread.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with crostini, grilled meats, or as part of an antipasto platter.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same proportions to serve more guests.
Conclusion
Mini Caprese Salad Cups offer a fresh, no-fuss appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With minimal preparation and a burst of classic Italian flavors, these salad cups are ideal for entertaining or healthy snacking. Elegant, versatile, and easy to customize, they’re sure to impress at any occasion.
Vous avez dit :
Caramel Apple Dump CakeThese Mini Caprese Salad Cups are a light, colorful appetizer that delivers the classic flavors of Caprese salad in a convenient, individual serving. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves, all gently tossed in olive oil and drizzled with balsamic glaze, this recipe is ideal for parties, picnics, or elegant snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Caprese Salad Cups are the perfect combination of ease, presentation, and taste. They come together in just minutes and require no cooking, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining. Their individual portions make serving effortless, and the classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil is always a crowd-pleaser. This appetizer is not only visually appealing but also healthy and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: toothpicks or mini forks for serving
- Mini ramekins or small serving cups
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and drained mozzarella balls.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into mini ramekins or small serving cups.
- Add a fresh basil leaf to each cup for a decorative and flavorful garnish.
- Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, with mini forks or toothpicks if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 mini cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
Variations
- Skewer Style: Thread the ingredients onto cocktail skewers for a handheld version.
- Add Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use Heirloom Tomatoes: Mix different colors and types of cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
- Herbed Oil: Infuse the olive oil with garlic or herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based mozzarella alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
These salad cups are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the basil separate until serving to maintain its color and texture. Do not freeze. There is no reheating required, as this is a chilled or room-temperature dish.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture a few hours in advance. Add basil and final drizzle of glaze just before serving.
How do I keep the basil from wilting?
Add basil only at the last moment or keep it refrigerated in a damp paper towel until ready to use.
What is the best type of mozzarella for this recipe?
Use mozzarella pearls or ciliegine, as they are bite-sized and pair well with cherry tomatoes.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of glaze?
Balsamic vinegar is more liquid and tangy; balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter. For best presentation, glaze is recommended.
Are these cups suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve these warm?
This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. Heating is not recommended.
What other herbs can I use besides basil?
Fresh oregano or thyme can work, but basil offers the classic Caprese flavor.
How many cups does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 mini cups, perfect for small gatherings or as part of an appetizer spread.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with crostini, grilled meats, or as part of an antipasto platter.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same proportions to serve more guests.
Conclusion
Mini Caprese Salad Cups offer a fresh, no-fuss appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With minimal preparation and a burst of classic Italian flavors, these salad cups are ideal for entertaining or healthy snacking. Elegant, versatile, and easy to customize, they’re sure to impress at any occasion.
Vous avez dit :
Print
Mini Caprese Salad Cups
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini cups
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mini Caprese Salad Cups are a bite-sized twist on the classic Italian salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. Served in individual cups, they make the perfect elegant appetizer or healthy snack for parties, summer picnics, or gatherings. Keywords: mini caprese salad, individual salad cups, caprese appetizer, tomato mozzarella basil, balsamic glaze appetizer.
Ingredients
-
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
-
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
-
Fresh basil leaves
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Optional: toothpicks or mini forks for serving
-
Mini ramekins or small serving cups
Instructions
-
In a mixing bowl, gently toss halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
-
Spoon the salad mixture into individual ramekins or small serving cups.
-
Garnish each cup with a fresh basil leaf.
-
Drizzle additional balsamic glaze over each just before serving.
-
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Add toothpicks or mini forks if desired.
Notes
-
For extra flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before assembling.
-
Great for meal prep—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
-
Use colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
