Name: Heart Shaped Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 vine tomatoes (cut into 11 thin slices); 10 slices bocconcini cheese (200 grams); 10 basil leaves (or mint leaves); 2 slices Provolone cheese; 1 pinch salt (to taste); 1 drizzle olive oil (to taste); 1 drizzle balsamic glaze (to taste)

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Introduction

This Heart Shaped Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, perfect for special occasions or a charming appetizer. Fresh vine tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and fragrant basil come together in a visually stunning and tasty presentation.

The dish is arranged in a heart shape on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. It has alternating layers of red tomato slices and white mozzarella cheese rounds, forming the base. On top of each cheese slice, there is a small heart-shaped piece of pale yellow cheese, some drizzled with dark balsamic glaze and a little yellow olive oil. Green mint leaves are placed between the tomato and cheese layers, adding contrast with their textured surfaces. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and neatly arranged with smooth and glossy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 vine tomatoes (about 11 thin slices)
10 slices bocconcini cheese (200 grams)
10 basil leaves (or mint leaves)
2 slices Provolone cheese
1 pinch salt (to taste)
1 drizzle olive oil (to taste)
1 drizzle balsamic glaze (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut each into 5-6 thin slices. Set them aside.
Step 2: Slice the bocconcini (or fresh mozzarella) into thin pieces.
Step 3: Arrange the tomato and bocconcini slices so they overlap and form a large heart shape on your serving plate.
Step 4: Place the basil or mint leaves on top for a fresh, aromatic touch and visual appeal.
Step 5: Stack one slice of Provolone cheese on top of another, then cut out about 12 mini heart shapes from this stack.
Step 6: Arrange these mini cheese hearts on top of the tomato and bocconcini heart, as shown in the picture.
Step 7: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the tomatoes and bocconcini, then drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the salad.
Step 8: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella if bocconcini is not available for a similarly creamy texture.
Swap basil for mint leaves for a brighter, slightly sweeter flavor.
Chill the tomatoes and cheese before assembling for a refreshing taste, especially on warm days.
If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar to a syrupy consistency by simmering gently.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If necessary, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Avoid adding the olive oil and balsamic glaze until just before serving to prevent sogginess. When reheating, it’s best served cold or at room temperature rather than warmed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with four skewers arranged slightly diagonal from top left to bottom right. Each skewer has three layers: a green basil leaf with smooth texture on one end, a round white mozzarella ball with a soft texture in the middle, and a bright red heart-shaped tomato with a shiny surface at the center. The skewers are drizzled with dark balsamic glaze that creates thin lines and drops on the plate around the skewers. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

While you can slice the tomatoes and cheese ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar, or make your own glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a syrup.