Caprese-Style Roma Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Olives
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Caprese-Style Roma Tomato and Mozzarella Salad featuring tangy black olives and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan. This dish brings together juicy roma tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, beautifully layered for a stunning presentation. A drizzle of your favorite Italian dressing adds a zesty pop, making it the perfect appetizer or light lunch for any occasion. Ideal for sharing, this salad not only pleases the eye but also tantalizes the taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
2-3 (Thinly sliced)
Chopped black olives
8 ounces (Chopped)
Mozzarella cheese (ball)
8 ounces (Sliced)
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Red onion
1 (Chopped)
Italian dressing
14 ounces (Drizzled over salad)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the mozzarella ball in half, then thinly slice both the roma tomatoes and mozzarella into even pieces, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness. Opt for widthwise slices to create a tower-like effect on your plate.
2
On a serving plate, start building your layers by placing a slice of tomato down first, followed by a slice of mozzarella. Repeat this pattern until you've created three layers of tomato and two layers of mozzarella, forming a beautiful arrangement.
3
With all layers in place, generously sprinkle chopped red onion and black olives on top to add flavor and texture. Then, grate fresh parmesan over the salad for an umami boost.
4
Finally, drizzle your selected Italian dressing over the assembled salad, and finish off with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick. Chill the salad for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary theme of the Caprese-Style Roma Tomato and Mozzarella Salad?
The dish is a vibrant Caprese-style salad that elevates traditional flavors with tangy black olives and fresh parmesan.
Which type of tomatoes are recommended for this recipe?
Roma tomatoes are used for their juicy texture and suitability for slicing.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The mozzarella ball should be sliced in half first, then thinly sliced into even pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
What is the best way to slice the ingredients for a tower effect?
Slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella widthwise helps create a beautiful tower-like presentation on the plate.
How many layers should the salad tower have?
The tower should consist of three layers of tomato and two layers of mozzarella.
What is the specific layering order for this salad?
Start with a slice of tomato, followed by a slice of mozzarella, repeating until the layers are complete.
What additional toppings are added for flavor and texture?
Chopped red onion and black olives are generously sprinkled over the layered slices.
Why is fresh parmesan cheese added to the salad?
Grated fresh parmesan is added to provide an extra umami boost to the dish.
What kind of dressing is used for this Caprese-style salad?
Your favorite Italian dressing is drizzled over the assembled tower for a zesty pop.
How is the salad finished before serving?
It is finished with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.
Is there a recommended wait time before serving the salad?
Yes, you should chill the salad for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can this recipe be served as a main course?
While it can be a light lunch, it is primarily designed as a stunning appetizer or side dish.
How many Roma tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 Roma tomatoes.
What quantity of black olives is required?
You will need 8 ounces of chopped black olives.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
The recipe requires an 8-ounce mozzarella ball.
How much red onion is included in the recipe?
One whole red onion, chopped, is used in this recipe.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 6 primary ingredients used to make this salad.
Is this salad suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dish and is ideal for sharing at any occasion.
What style of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is inspired by Italian cuisine.
Can beginners make this recipe easily?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward slicing and layering steps.
What makes the presentation of this salad unique?
The vertical layering of ingredients into a tower creates a visually stunning and professional presentation.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
What is the texture of the mozzarella in this dish?
The mozzarella provides a creamy texture that contrasts with the juicy tomatoes and crunchy onions.
How much Italian dressing should be used?
The ingredient list specifies 14 ounces of Italian dressing, to be drizzled over the salad.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy appetizer featuring fresh vegetables.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a fresh assembly recipe requiring no cooking, only slicing and layering.
What is the purpose of the black pepper?
The freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick to balance the creamy and tangy flavors.
What type of mozzarella is best?
A fresh mozzarella ball is recommended for the best flavor and ease of slicing.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, though the salad is best when chilled for a few minutes right before serving for maximum freshness.
Is this salad good for sharing?
Absolutely, it is noted as being ideal for sharing and pleases both the eye and the taste buds.