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Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad

Red, white & blue caprese salad with a wreath-style ring of 1/4-inch tomato, 1/4-inch mozzarella, and fresh blueberries. Finish with a balsamic glaze drizzle, olive oil, and scattered basil for a bright Independence Day appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad
  • 3 large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes Slice 1/4-inch thick for neat rounds.
  • 1 lb fresh mozzarella Slice 1/4-inch thick for even layers.
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries Tuck between tomato and mozzarella to fill gaps.
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves Scatter throughout and tuck around edges.
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Drizzle evenly over the full platter.
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze Drizzle across the salad for a glossy finish.
  • flaky sea salt Add to taste as a final seasoning.
  • cracked black pepper Add to taste as a final seasoning.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Build the wreath
  1. Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella in an overlapping circle or wreath pattern on a large serving platter, keeping the slices about 1/4-inch thick so they layer cleanly.
  2. Tuck fresh blueberries in between and around the slices to fill gaps and add the blue element, pressing lightly so they stay in place.
  3. Scatter fresh basil leaves throughout the wreath, tucking a few at the edges for visible green pops.
  4. Drizzle the whole platter evenly with extra virgin olive oil and then drizzle balsamic glaze for a glossy red-and-black accent across the top.
  5. Finish with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste, then serve immediately for the freshest texture.
Nutrition

    Notes

    Pro tip: slice the tomatoes and mozzarella right before assembling so the wreath stays juicy but not watery. Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 day; for best results, add salt and pepper just before serving. Freezer: no. Dietary swap: use low-fat fresh mozzarella for a lighter version without changing the wreath pattern.