Gourmet Tomato & Bocconcini Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Gourmet Tomato & Bocconcini Delight. Bursting with juicy grape and cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, and creamy bocconcini, this salad epitomizes freshness. Inspired by a classic deli favorite, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Perfect as a starter or a side dish, the combination of sweet tomatoes, rich olives, and fragrant basil will tantalize your taste buds, making every bite a celebration of Italian culinary heritage.
N/A
Servings
135
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
mixed pitted black or green olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons
unsalted bocconcini
1 1/2 cups (quartered)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by marinating the red onion. In a large plate, toss the thinly sliced red onion with red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Spread the onion out in a single layer and allow it to pickle for about 20 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
2
While the onion is pickling, prepare the tomato salad. In a medium bowl, combine the halved grape or cherry tomatoes and the chopped olives. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh basil and 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, then season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring the tomatoes are coated.
3
In another separate bowl, mix the bocconcini with the remaining tablespoon of basil, the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine without breaking the bocconcini.
4
To serve, elegantly layer the ingredients in four martini glasses or serve them on a large platter. Start with a layer of the marinated red onions, followed by the tomato-olive mixture, and finish with the bocconcini. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
6g
Carbs
6.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Tomato & Bocconcini Delight?
It is a refreshing Italian-inspired salad featuring grape and cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, and creamy bocconcini cheese.
What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
How long do the red onions need to marinate?
The thinly sliced red onions should pickle in red wine vinegar and salt for about 20 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
What kind of cheese is used in this delight?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of quartered unsalted bocconcini cheese.
Can I use different types of olives?
Yes, you can use a 1/3 cup of mixed pitted black or green olives, chopped.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 135 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein values?
This salad contains 6 grams of carbohydrates and 6.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is fresh basil necessary?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil to provide a fragrant and authentic Italian flavor.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the onions?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How is the salad elegantly served?
You can elegantly layer the ingredients in four martini glasses or serve them on a large platter.
In what order should the ingredients be layered?
Start with a layer of marinated red onions, followed by the tomato-olive mixture, and finish with the bocconcini.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used, totaling 4 teaspoons throughout the preparation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this gourmet salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly salad featuring cheese and vegetables.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
The dish is inspired by a classic deli favorite and Italian culinary heritage.
Should the bocconcini be seasoned separately?
Yes, the bocconcini should be mixed with a tablespoon of basil, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
Can I add extra garnish?
Absolutely, you can garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The 1/4 cup of red onion should be thinly sliced before marinating.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, fresh appetizer or side dish.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a salad, appetizer, and side dish.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No, this is a fresh, no-cook recipe that relies on marinating and assembly.
What seasoning is suggested for the tomato mixture?
The tomatoes and olives are seasoned lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper.
How do I prevent the bocconcini from breaking?
Stir the bocconcini gently when mixing with oil and basil to avoid breaking the pieces.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a combination of sweet tomatoes, rich olives, tangy onions, and creamy cheese.
Can I use regular onions?
Red onions are preferred for their color and the specific tang they provide when pickled in vinegar.
What is the preparation for the olives?
The pitted olives should be chopped before being added to the tomato mixture.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, it is described as being bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer.
How many teaspoons of olive oil go into the tomato mixture?
Two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil are added to the tomato-olive mixture.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While perfect as a starter or side dish, it can be part of a larger gourmet meal.