Smiling Caprese Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor Combo: The timeless trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil never fails.

• Playful Presentation: Arranged to resemble a smiling face, this salad is great for kids and entertaining.

• Healthy & Light: A low-calorie, nutrient-packed starter or side dish.

• Quick & Easy: Takes just minutes to assemble with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cherry or grape tomatoes

• Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)

• Fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic vinegar or glaze

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella balls in half.

2. Assemble the Face: On a plate, arrange the ingredients to form a smiley face:

   • Use tomato halves for cheeks and mouth.

   • Mozzarella for eyes.

   • Basil leaves for eyebrows or hair.

3. Drizzle: Lightly drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze.

4. Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed fresh.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Olives: Use black olives for eyes or pupils.

• Heart-Shaped Tomatoes: Use small cookie cutters for themed presentations.

• Add Greens: Serve over a bed of arugula or mixed greens for more substance.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: Not recommended, as this is a fresh salad.

FAQs

Can I use large tomatoes?

Yes, just slice into rounds and layer with mozzarella slices.

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella balls work best, but slices or pearls also work.

Is balsamic glaze necessary?

No, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness. Regular balsamic vinegar is a great alternative.

Can I make it ahead?

Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy ingredients.

Conclusion

Smiling Caprese Salad puts a cheerful twist on a beloved classic. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your plate with fresh, simple ingredients and a dose of fun. Whether you’re entertaining guests or encouraging kids to enjoy veggies, this salad is sure to spread smiles all around!

Smiling Caprese Salad

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2
• Category: Salad, Appetizer, Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Smiling Caprese Salad adds a fun twist to the traditional Caprese with playful presentation and vibrant, fresh ingredients. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil come together to create a salad that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat—perfect for kids, parties, or light summer meals.

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Ingredients

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)

Handful of fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Slice the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in half. Rinse and pat dry the basil leaves.

2. Assemble the Smiley Face:
   On a plate, arrange the ingredients to resemble a smiley face:

   • Eyes: Use halved mozzarella balls.

   • Cheeks & Mouth: Use halved cherry tomatoes.

   • Eyebrows or Hair: Use fresh basil leaves.

3. Drizzle:
   Lightly drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze.

4. Season:
   Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:
   Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh.

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Notes

Add Olives: Use olives for pupils or added flavor.

Heart-Shaped Tomatoes: Use a small cookie cutter for themed presentations (Valentine’s, parties, etc.).

Add Greens: Serve on a bed of arugula or baby spinach for a heartier salad.

Make It a Meal: Add sliced avocado or grilled chicken on the side.