Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is pure summer bliss on a platter. Imagine ripe plum tomatoes slowly roasted until they’re sweet and caramelized, paired with silky fresh mozzarella and showered with fragrant basil leaves. Each component celebrates the height of seasonal flavor, combining into a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something extraordinary for lunch, this salad will charm everyone at the table—and you’ll be amazed by how simple it is to prepare!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this salad is how just a handful of fresh and quality ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a unique role, adding depth, creaminess, punchy acidity, or vibrant color to your Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad.

• Plum tomatoes: Roasting concentrates their natural sweetness, giving you deep, jammy flavor in every bite.
• Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps the tomatoes caramelize perfectly; opt for extra-virgin for the best results.
• Balsamic vinegar: The secret tangy backbone; when roasted, it becomes sweet and syrupy, entwining with the tomatoes.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick that infuses the salad with warmth.
• Sugar: Just a hint, to enhance the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and balance the vinegar.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both tomatoes and mozzarella, pulling out flavors without overpowering.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and complexity that ties everything together.
• Fresh salted mozzarella: Creamy, milky, and tender—its luscious texture is the heart of a great Caprese.
• Fresh basil leaves: Julienne just before serving for a bright, peppery freshness that wakes up the entire dish.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C)—patience is key here! Cut the plum tomatoes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Lay them cut-side up on a baking sheet; this ensures even caramelization. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle over the minced garlic, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. It’s amazing how these few ingredients transform during their two-hour roast, infusing your kitchen with the aroma of summer. Once roasted until deeply concentrated and caramelized, let the tomatoes cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Slice and Prepare the Mozzarella

While the tomatoes work their magic in the oven, prepare your mozzarella. Cut it into generous slices, just a bit under half an inch thick. If the slices are larger than your tomato halves, feel free to halve them for easy layering. Using fresh, salted mozzarella makes all the difference—it offers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 3: Arrange for Maximum Flavor

Assembly is where your Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad truly shines. On a serving platter, alternate slices of roasted tomatoes and mozzarella, overlapping them to showcase all the gorgeous colors. You want every bite to land the perfect ratio of sweet, tender tomato and creamy cheese. Sprinkle the top with more kosher salt and black pepper, then scatter the julienned basil leaves for an instant pop of color and freshness. Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil and serve at room temperature to let all the flavors sing.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Garnishes

A final touch of flaky sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, or even a drizzle of syrupy aged balsamic can elevate each bite. If you want to go for visual appeal, add a few whole basil leaves or edible flowers for a summery burst of color that makes the Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad look straight from a magazine.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with crusty artisanal bread—ideal for mopping up the juices. It also makes a fabulous companion to grilled chicken, seafood, or as part of a larger antipasto spread alongside olives, roasted peppers, and charcuterie. The flavors are robust yet balanced, so it complements a variety of main courses beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try building individual stacks or arranging skewers with cherry bocconcini for easy, hand-held bites. Layering the salad on a wooden board instead of a platter can create a rustic, Italian-inspired presentation. You can even tuck in roasted red peppers or a few capers for an interesting twist that complements the classic Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The roasted tomatoes will continue to deepen in flavor, but the basil might wilt a bit, so consider adding a fresh sprinkle before serving again. It keeps well for up to two days, maintaining its hearty, satisfying texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze roasted tomatoes on their own for future salads or pastas, assembled Caprese salad (with mozzarella and basil) doesn’t freeze well. The cheese can become watery and lose its creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

This salad truly shines at room temperature! If you’ve refrigerated leftovers, just let the Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad sit out for about 15–20 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld and the cheese regains its creamy nature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tomato for this salad?

Absolutely! While plum tomatoes are ideal for roasting thanks to their low moisture, you can experiment with Roma or even vine tomatoes. Just adjust the roasting time—larger varieties may take a bit longer, while smaller or cherry tomatoes will roast faster.

Is fresh mozzarella required, or can I use the block kind?

For the creamiest, most authentic Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad, nothing beats fresh salted mozzarella. The block variety is firmer and can sometimes taste bland in comparison, but if that’s what you have on hand, slice it as thinly as possible and season generously.

Can I prepare the tomatoes in advance?

Yes! Roasting the tomatoes a day ahead is a fantastic trick for saving time. Store them refrigerated in an airtight container; let them come to room temperature before assembling the salad for the freshest taste.

How should I julienne basil easily?

Stack several basil leaves, roll them tightly into a cigar shape, then slice crosswise with a sharp knife to create thin, elegant ribbons. This technique unleashes maximum aroma without bruising the leaves.

What’s the best olive oil for drizzling?

Choose a good quality extra-virgin olive oil with a fruity or peppery flavor. It adds another layer of richness and truly complements the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella, rounding out the Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Give this Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad a place at your next gathering or weekday meal—you won’t regret it. Whether you’re a Caprese veteran or a first-timer, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping salad that celebrates summer’s best. Enjoy every bite!

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