Is there hardly anyone who doesn't know and like the Caprese salad?This Italian classicWe like to eat it at any time of the year, but it tastes best in summer when tomatoes are in season again. The beautiful colors of the tomato and mozzarella salad also make it a real eye-catcher on the table.
If you would like to prepare a delicious and beautiful tomato and mozzarella platter for your next party or for an evening with friends, then we have some ideas ready. Read on!
Make a classic tomato and mozzarella salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella and basil – these are the three main ingredients of the Italian Caprese salad. But there are so many possible variations that allow us to give the classic our personal touch. There are also great options to choose from when serving the salad - as a tower, in Hasselback style or in a glassServe the salad attractively. But what if you are planning a party in the summer and need a large salad platter for several people? Well then the Caprese is also a great idea that you can prepare quickly and without much effort.
The ingredients – always as fresh as possible
I would now like to briefly talk about preparing the salad if you are making it yourself for the first time. For the classic version, you first need delicious, round tomatoes, which you can also peel if you wish (if you don't like the skin that much) and then cut into slices approx. 5 mm thick. A tip: be sure to use a very sharp knife, otherwise you may accidentally crush the tomatoes.
The second most important ingredient is of course the mozzarella. Buy fresh mozzarella balls (buffalo mozzarella is best) either full-fat or low-fat, remove the liquid from the package and cut into slices. One mozzarella ball is usually enough for 2 medium tomatoes.
Third comes basil, which is sometimes left out. That's a mistake, because the basil leaves give the salad its excellent aroma and a lot of additional freshness.
How to season the tomato and mozzarella plate?
The main ingredients are already clear, but what else goes on top of the tomato mozzarella? In the original Italian recipe from the island of Capri, the salad is only drizzled with olive oil, salt and a little dried oregano. Over the years, recipes with freshly ground black pepper and balsamic reduction have also become classics.
Of course there are other options for seasoning. The fresh basil leaves can be replaced or supplemented with basil pesto, for example. Variations with avocado, grilled zucchini or other types of cheese such as burrata and cottage cheese are also very popular. So decide in advance whether you want to prepare the recipe classically or individually.
Prepare the Caprese plate for the party
If you're planning a party, you'll want to prepare as much as possible in advance to save yourself time and stress. Preparing the food is not always possible as some dishes and salads should simply be prepared fresh. You can't prepare the tomato and mozzarella platter completely in advance, as it can become soggy in a few hours when seasoned. What you can do, however, is to cut the ingredients in advance and arrange them on the plate, and season them just before the party. For optimal taste, be sure to store the prepared platter in the refrigerator before serving.
Tip: To transport a tomato and mozzarella salad for several people, you can arrange the slices in a baking dish and cover with cling film. Bring the olive oil and spices separately and only season when you get to the location.
Another way to prepare the tomato and mozzarella plate is to use cocktail tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls. Compared to cut tomatoes, these last longer and don't get mushy as quickly.
Ideas on how to beautifully serve the tomato and mozzarella platter
Now let yourself be inspired by our ideas for preparing the Caprese salad for several people! This makes the salad platter not only delicious, but also a highlight on the buffet table!
Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a wooden board and sprinkle with basil leaves
Serve the tomatoes and mozzarella in a round plate and top it off with orange cocktail tomatoes in the middle
Tomato-mozzarella with a difference: Arrange cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls and basil on a cake stand
Halve the cherry tomatoes and skewer them with mini mozzarella balls and basil
Spiced Caprese Bites on Toothpicks for Party
Combine tomato slices and cocktail tomatoes in a plate
Arrange an oblong tomato and mozzarella plate and garnish with chopped basil
Combine red and orange tomato varieties and replace mozzarella with burrata
In summer, garnish the tomato and mozzarella platter with berries
Cover photo:@kristines_kitchen/ Instagram
