Zesty Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

Summers burst with vibrant flavors, and this roasted tomato caprese salad from the Barefoot Contessa instantly captures the essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Ripe tomatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing a deep, sweet intensity that complements the creamy mozzarella.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of textures and tastes that transport you to an Italian countryside.

Fragrant basil leaves add a peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

The simple yet sophisticated combination creates a dish that feels both elegant and wonderfully rustic.

Minimal ingredients maximize maximum flavor in this stunning salad that comes together with surprising ease.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Used in Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and no blemishes for intense, sweet flavor roasting.
• Olive Oil: Enhances caramelization and adds rich, smooth undertone to roasted tomatoes.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides tangy depth and helps create beautiful dark caramelized edges.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the roasting process.
• Sugar: Boosts natural sweetness and helps tomatoes caramelize beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the roasted tomato flavor.

• Mozzarella: Select fresh, soft Italian mozzarella with smooth, milky texture for perfect creamy contrast.

• Basil Leaves: Pick bright green, fragrant basil leaves that will add herbaceous, peppery freshness to the dish.

Tools Required for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, rimmed surface perfect for roasting tomatoes evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing tomatoes and mozzarella with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, sugar, and pepper.
• Platter: Ideal for beautifully arranging and serving the salad.
• Olive Oil Drizzler or Bottle: Allows for controlled oil distribution over the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Tomato Transformation

Gently place halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, letting them bask in a low oven’s warmth. Drizzle with golden olive oil and tangy balsamic, then dust with fragrant seasonings. Allow the slow roasting process to coax out deep, rich flavors, transforming ordinary tomatoes into caramelized jewels.

• Cheese and Herb Harmony

Create a canvas of creamy white mozzarella, carefully slicing the cheese to complement the roasted tomatoes. Nestle the cheese alongside the concentrated tomato pieces, creating a beautiful landscape of color and texture.

• Final Flourish

Shower the arrangement with vibrant green basil leaves, adding a whisper of salt and pepper. A final cascade of olive oil brings the entire dish together, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that sing of summer’s bounty. Let the salad rest, allowing the ingredients to mingle and deepen their connection.

Tips and Options for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom, cherry, or roma to create unique flavor profiles and textures in your caprese salad.
• Replace basil with fresh oregano, thyme, or a mix of Mediterranean herbs to add unexpected aromatic dimensions to the classic recipe.
• Substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata for an ultra-creamy experience or try goat cheese for a tangy twist that elevates the traditional salad.
• Upgrade the drizzle by using aged balsamic glaze or infused balsamic vinegars like fig or truffle to introduce complex flavor layers that complement the roasted tomatoes.
• Transform this salad into an elegant appetizer by serving on toasted crostini or mix it into warm pasta for a luxurious summer-inspired main course.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad: Serving Help

• Craft a Mediterranean Feast Plate: Arrange the roasted tomato caprese salad as a stunning centerpiece on a large wooden board, surrounded by crusty Italian bread, olives, and cured meats for a rustic, appetizing spread.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, caramelized tomatoes and creamy mozzarella with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the salad's delicate flavors.
• Create Summer Lunch Perfection: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish, making this caprese salad a light, refreshing main course that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Elevate Dinner Party Presentation: Use elegant white plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil for a sophisticated appetizer that impresses guests with minimal effort.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad: How to Store It

• Prepare Ahead: Roast tomatoes up to 2 days before serving and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before assembling the salad.
• Optimize Freshness: Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor of mozzarella and basil. Avoid refrigerating the completed dish to prevent moisture buildup.
• Smart Storing: Keep leftover salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Gently pat excess moisture from tomatoes before storing to prevent soggy ingredients.
• Reheat Gently: If desired, bring refrigerated salad to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and texture.

Vibrant Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer gardens shine with this roasted tomato caprese salad celebrating fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Juicy roasted tomatoes mingle with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, inviting seasonal flavors to dance on your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 12 plum tomatoes (halved lengthwise, seeds removed)
• 16 oz (454 g) fresh salted mozzarella (sliced)
• 12 fresh basil leaves (julienned)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Tomato Preparation: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Slice ripe tomatoes in half and arrange cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet in a single, non-overlapping layer.
2. Seasoning Infusion: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar over tomatoes. Sprinkle minced garlic, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
3. Roasting Process: Slow-roast tomatoes for 2 hours, allowing them to caramelize and concentrate their natural sweetness. Remove when edges appear slightly dried and darkened, then cool completely to room temperature.
4. Cheese and Assembly: Slice fresh mozzarella into uniform pieces, adjusting size to match roasted tomatoes. Create an artful arrangement by alternating and overlapping tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter.
5. Finishing Touches: Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter over the tomato and mozzarella layers. Lightly season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Complete the dish with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best roasting results, ensuring even caramelization and intense flavor development.
• Slow Roasting Technique: Low-temperature roasting at 275°F concentrates natural tomato sweetness and creates a rich, deeply flavored ingredient.
• Mozzarella Matching: Cut mozzarella to similar size as roasted tomatoes for a balanced and visually appealing presentation that ensures perfect bite-sized portions.
• Serving Temperature Matters: Allow the dish to rest at room temperature before serving to maximize flavor integration and create a harmonious taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg