Irresistible Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

Barefoot contessa roasted tomato caprese salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that dances with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Summer’s most beloved combination emerges through carefully selected produce and thoughtful preparation techniques.

Rich, concentrated tomatoes develop incredible depth when slowly roasted, releasing natural sweetness and intense aromatics.

Mozzarella’s creamy texture provides luxurious contrast against the concentrated tomato essence.

Fresh herbs contribute bright, verdant notes that awaken every palate.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in crafting a dish that feels simultaneously rustic and elegant.

This simple yet sophisticated salad promises a sensory journey that celebrates seasonal abundance:

Fall for the Freshness of a Tomato Caprese Roast

• Elevate Tomato Flavor: Roasting transforms ordinary tomatoes into a deeply caramelized, intensely sweet and concentrated flavor bomb that completely changes the traditional caprese experience.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Presentation: The carefully layered arrangement of roasted tomatoes and creamy mozzarella makes this salad look stunning and professional, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Enjoy Effortless Gourmet Cooking: This recipe requires simple techniques and minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, making it an ideal dish for home cooks wanting to feel like a professional chef without complex steps.
• Experience Slow-Cooking Magic: The gentle two-hour roasting process allows flavors to develop naturally, creating a rich, complex taste profile that elevates a classic caprese salad into something extraordinary and memorable.

Exciting Twists on a Classic Caprese

• Summer Garden Remix: Replace roasted tomatoes with colorful heirloom varieties, adding sliced cucumber and fresh oregano for a lighter Mediterranean-style presentation.
• Grilled Herb Companion: Grill the tomatoes instead of roasting for a smoky flavor, incorporating fresh thyme and rosemary to enhance the herbal notes.
• Balsamic Infusion Blend: Upgrade the dish by using aged balsamic reduction, adding toasted pine nuts and small arugula leaves for extra texture and peppery complexity.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Incorporate thinly sliced red chili peppers, sprinkle za'atar spice blend, and use buffalo mozzarella for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.

The Final Note on a Roasted Tomato Caprese Journey

Roasted tomato caprese salad whispers Mediterranean charm with its luxurious layers of flavor.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe elevates classic ingredients through patient roasting techniques.

Rich balsamic-kissed tomatoes melt into silky mozzarella pools, creating sensory symphonies.

Fresh basil leaves dance across golden-edged tomato slices, promising summer’s essence in each bite.

Simplicity meets sophistication on this elegant plate, where Italian culinary traditions shine brightly.

Hungry souls will devour this masterpiece, then pause to share its delectable story across social media platforms, spreading deliciousness with passionate clicks and enthusiastic comments.

Essential Picks for a Caprese Tomato Feast

• Plum Tomatoes: Sweet and meaty tomatoes perfect for roasting, best when ripe and firm with deep red color.
• Sugar: Helps caramelize tomatoes and enhance their natural sweetness during roasting.
• Salt: Draws out moisture and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complements the roasted tomato's richness.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a delicate and milky contrast to roasted tomatoes.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, peppery freshness to the salad.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for roasting tomatoes and adding a smooth, rich finish to the salad.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and sweet vinegar that adds depth and complexity to the roasted tomatoes.

• Garlic: Provides a subtle, savory undertone to the roasted tomatoes, enhancing their overall flavor.

Your Guide to Assembling a Roasted Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Tomato Magic

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar

• Garlic
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Roast these beauties for 2 hours until they transform into concentrated flavor bombs. Let them chill to room temperature.

Step 2: Slice Creamy Mozzarella

Grab your fresh mozzarella and slice it just under ½ inch thick. If the slices look bigger than your roasted tomatoes, simply cut them in half for perfect harmony.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Time to build your flavor masterpiece! Arrange roasted tomatoes and mozzarella slices in gorgeous alternating layers on a beautiful serving platter. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves across the top. Add a whisper of salt and pepper. Finish with a gorgeous drizzle of olive oil. Serve at cozy room temperature and watch everyone swoon.

Insider Tricks for a Vibrant Tomato Caprese

• Select Peak-Ripeness Tomatoes: Plum tomatoes with deep red color and slight give when gently squeezed ensure maximum sweetness and structural integrity during roasting.
• Master Low-and-Slow Roasting: Gentle oven temperatures between 275-325°F transform tomatoes into concentrated flavor bombs, caramelizing natural sugars without losing moisture.
• Prioritize Mozzarella Quality: Seek out fresh, soft buffalo mozzarella from specialty stores or farmers markets, which delivers a luxurious, creamy texture that melts beautifully against warm tomatoes.
• Harvest Fresh Basil Leaves: Pick basil moments before serving, choosing bright green leaves without dark spots to guarantee maximum aromatic intensity and vibrant herbal notes.
• Temperature Matters: Allowing the salad to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving helps ingredients release their full flavor potential, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Keep Your Caprese Creation Crisp and Tasty

• Vacuum Sealing: Preserve the vibrant flavors and textures by using a vacuum sealer. Remove excess air to prevent moisture and maintain the salad's crisp components, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Separate Storage: Store mozzarella, basil, and roasted tomatoes in individual containers to prevent sogginess. Wrap fresh basil in a slightly damp paper towel inside a sealed container to maintain its brightness and prevent wilting.
• Quick Consumption: Enjoy the salad within 24 hours for the best taste and texture. Consume at room temperature to allow the ingredients' natural flavors to shine, avoiding prolonged refrigeration that can dull the salad's fresh characteristics.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Barefoot Contessa roasted tomato caprese salad elevates classic Italian flavors with perfectly caramelized tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Layered with fragrant basil and drizzled with rich olive oil, this dish brings Mediterranean charm directly to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
• 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh salted mozzarella, sliced
• 12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Liquids and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Additives:

• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes by preheating the oven to 275°F (135°C). Select ripe, firm tomatoes and slice them in half, exposing the inner flesh. Position the tomato halves cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are spread in a single, non-overlapping layer.
2. Enhance the tomatoes by drizzling extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar evenly across the surface. Mince fresh garlic cloves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes. Add a light dusting of granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to intensify the flavor profile.
3. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours. Monitor the tomatoes as they slowly caramelize, concentrating their natural sweetness and developing a rich, intense flavor. Remove from the oven when the edges appear slightly dried and darkened.
4. Allow the roasted tomatoes to cool completely to room temperature, which helps them develop a more robust taste and easier handling.
5. Prepare fresh mozzarella by slicing it into uniform pieces approximately 3/8 inch (0.95 centimeters) thick. If the mozzarella slices are larger than the roasted tomatoes, carefully cut them in half to create more proportionate pieces.
6. Artfully arrange the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them to create an visually appealing presentation.
7. Finish the dish by tearing fresh basil leaves and scattering them over the tomato and mozzarella layers. Lightly season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil for a glossy, appetizing finish.
8. Serve the salad at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together, creating a harmonious and delightful appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Grab those deeply colored, firm plum tomatoes bursting with summer sweetness for maximum roasting success.
• Gentle low-temperature roasting transforms ordinary tomatoes into concentrated flavor bombs that melt in your mouth.
• Slice fresh mozzarella moments before serving to capture its luxurious creamy texture and delicate milky essence.
• Tear vibrant green basil leaves directly onto the dish for an instant burst of aromatic freshness.
• Let this salad rest and come to room temperature, allowing complex flavors to dance and harmonize perfectly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 40mg