Today’s post is mainly composed of silver and gold, red and green…
Soooo holiday!
Do you hear it? Burl Ives…disguised as a snowman wearing a checkered vest and a fedora, too?
Speaking of holiday – how was your Thanksgiving? Are you still full? Did everything run smoothly? I hope so! I however have a horror story to share which I will do in due time. I’m not quite ready…still getting over it… Mashed potatoes. Grrrr.
Unlike my potatoes, I can’t imagine there’s anything that could go wrong with today’s recipe for Hasselback Caprese Salad.
Edible ornaments?
I say yes!
You know, as much as I love the festive results of colored sparkles, a bit of glue and a few popsicle sticks – they’re nothing compared to the delicious results of Roma tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil.
I had the idea to add a drizzle of balsamic with a light pour of olive oil, a shake or two of kosher salt and a good grind of cracked black pepper to our accordion-style filled tomato ornaments. These additions give our traditional caprese salad made of tomato, mozzarella and basil, a little extra flashy pizzazz.
So if you’re designing Christmas dinner and are wanting a salad that’s outside the box…
Here you go!
Buon Appetito!
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Hasselback Caprese Salad
- Category: Salad
Ingredients
- 5 – 6 Roma tomatoes
- 1 lb. ball fresh mozzarella
- 1 bunch fresh basil (50 leaves)
- balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- Kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Thinly slice each tomato to look like an accordion, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Cut thin slices of mozzarella and gently wedge them between the slices of tomato.
- Next, tear leaves from the bunch of basil and using a butter knife, gently insert the leaves alongside the mozzarella.
- Drizzle balsamic and olive oil over the tomatoes and finish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve.
Ciao!
Caprese is my fave! I love this beautiful and delicious display, great for bringing to holiday parties 🙂
That is a great idea…they are very portable. Just dress them when you get there! Thanks, dear! 🙂
Wow, I seriously LOVE these!! Caprese salad is one of my faves and the way you put it together looks absolutely phenomenal! So gorgeous and perfect for the holidays.
Thank you so much, Rachel! It’s so easy when you start with lovely ingredients, isn’t it? My job was easy! 🙂
Oh. My. Goodness. This is one festive and gorgeous caprese, girl! Happy Holidays!
Thank you, dearest! Cheers!! 🙂
I’ve never tried avocado in a caprese before but I don’t think you could ask for a better addition! I love the hasselback presentation and the photos are so beautiful on the silver plate, (if you don’t mind telling I’d love to know where you go it)! I can’t wait to hear your mashed potato story, I had a disaster myself with a gluey lump even through I’ve made them a certain way a thousand times and they always come out fluffy, they were a mess for the holiday, figures!
I’ve never tried avocado either…I’d love to know how you like it! I believe I got the silver plate from Michael’s, actually. I’m pretty sure I purchased it last holiday season – but you never know – they may still have it. haha – I feel like my potato story is really building – I hope it doesn’t let anyone down! ahhahahahahh! Thanks for your kind words, my dear! 🙂
What a creative way to make a caprese salad! I love this idea! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving – I can’t wait to hear about the mashed potatoes! Oh, and I made your Brussels sprouts with the brown butter – total hit! Even my husband who is not a sprouts fan, gobbled them up!
Thank you, Kathleen! We did have a wonderful holiday! And a story to remember it by… I am so thrilled you made the sprouts! And better yet, that your husband enjoyed them!! Thanks for sharing that, my dear! 🙂
Visually these are quite the tasty edibles Annie! A perfect appetizer for the holiday, so festive – or any day really.
Looking forward to reading about your mashed potato horror story. I had one today myself with a small bundt pan and a lot of batter. Thankfully I had it all on a baking sheet, but what a mess!
Thank you, Kevin! Oh no! Too much batter?! I’ve been there! Glad it wasn’t as bad as it could have been! 🙂
I love all the beautiful colors in this salad! It looks delicious and perfect for the holidays!
These colors were made for Christmas! Thank you!! 🙂