What does caprese mean?

Caprese means "denoting a salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil." The salad is named after Capri, Italy where it is believed to have originated from.

What does hasselback mean?

Hasselbacking is a cooking method where ingredients are sliced not quite all the way through, typically about 75%, in thin slices. This is most commonly seen in hasselback potatoes! It gives the food an interesting texture and more surface area for seasonings and flavors to stick to.

How to best serve this recipe?

This recipe can be served as either an appetizer or side salad! For an appetizer, serve it alongside my Goat Cheese Bruschetta or Whipped Ricotta Crostini . This will keep the fresh Italian theme! For a side dish, serve with a main dish like my Pesto Butter Salmon , Pan Seared Chicken Thighs , or Crusted Chicken Romano .

How to best store this recipe?

You can store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep best for 2-3 days!

Hasselback Caprese Salad (Tomato, Mozzarella, & Basil)

Name: Hasselback Caprese Salad (Tomato, Mozzarella, & Basil)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 roma tomatoes; 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese; 1 oz fresh basil leaves; Balsamic glaze, drizzle; Extra virgin olive oil, drizzle; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Description

Hasselback Caprese Salad is an easy, delicious, and beautiful appetizer recipe! Made with Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze … this fun twist on the classic appetizer is fresh, flavorful, light, and tastes like it could be served at a restaurant. Everyone is sure to love this low effort dish!

Ingredients

5 roma tomatoes
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese
1 oz fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze, drizzle
Extra virgin olive oil, drizzle
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

First carefully slice the Roma tomatoes. Place the tomatoes, with the flattest side down, on a cutting board. Make thin horizontal slices into the top of the tomato, but do not cut all the way through. Cut each slice about 90% of the way through the tomato, leaving a bit in tact to keep the tomatoes together. See the full blog post for a visual.
Next thinly slice the fresh mozzarella cheese. Make sure you have enough slices to fill all the cuts in the tomatoes.
Wrap the mozzarella slices in fresh basil and insert one slice into each cut in the tomatoes.
Drizzle the tomatoes with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
Serve and enjoy!