Easy Caprese Salad Christmas Tree Appetizer
Caprese salad is one of the easiest, tastiest Italian side dishes to prepare. And its natural colors just happen to be so perfectly Christmasy too so it only makes sense to bring the two things together for a deliciously festive dish making this cheery “Christmas tree”. This tasty “tree” is party perfect, makes enough for a crowd, doesn’t require any special kitchen skills, and only needs a handful of ingredients. It’s just a quick and simple, edible art project that will be the talk of the holiday gathering. It’s also a fun thing to do together if you’ve got friends or family around to help. Someone can slice while the other person assembles. Even kids can help with the layering assembly. So many reasons to add this easy Christmas side dish to your holiday menu!
Caprese Christmas Tree Recipe Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella: This works best with the long logs of mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella balls. Tomatoes: Vine ripe tomatoes are a good option here for the winter season. Look for tomatoes about the same circumference as the mozzarella. Fresh basil: You will need several large bunches for this to get enough leaves. Dried oregano: This can be omitted if preferred. I just like the extra hint of flavor. Extra virgin olive oil: If desired you can just serve this on the side for a cleaner option, and use extra! Balsamic glaze: You can use store-bought or homemade. Flakey sea salt and black pepper: I use Maldon sea salt here which also mimics snow for decorating around the tree. Kosher salt will work too. Baguette: You’ll only use a small chunk for the tree. Extras can be drizzled with olive oil and toasted in the oven for serving. I prefer sourdough here.
How to Make a Caprese Christmas Tree
How Long Can It Sit at Room Temp?
This caprese Christmas tree should be served shortly after preparing for the best appearance and texture (room-temperature fresh mozzarella isn’t as good). Ingredients shouldn’t be at room temp longer than 2 hours from when they were removed from the fridge.
Helpful Tips
Use the best fresh produce you can find. I know in the winter it can be harder to find the highest quality tomatoes. Vine ripe tomatoes are a good option because they can keep ripening well after you’ve purchased them. You can buy pre-sliced mozzarella for this recipe as well. Places like Costco even sell a two-pack and it’s cheaper this way. Use a thick balsamic glaze which will keep a cleaner appearance longer. I love Trader Joe’s. If you don’t need such a large tree you can try using Roma tomato slices since they are smaller and then cut the fresh mozzarella slices in half and use smaller basil leaves. If you don’t have quite enough large basil leaves then just use some small leaves for layering here and there and sprinkle over sliced basil ribbons.
More Delicious Caprese Recipes to Try
Avocado Caprese Chicken Caprese Chopped Salad Caprese Pasta Salad Caprese Pizza
