One dish that will make an appearance on my holiday table this year is the Christmas Caprese wreath salad. This festive salad is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The salad is made up of fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves arranged in a wreath shape. The wreath is then drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and garnished with a sprinkle of oregano, salt, and pepper. The colors of the salad, red and green, perfectly capture the holiday spirit.
As a bonus, the smell of this appetizer is just amazing! The basil is so refreshing and the aroma fills the air!
Ingredients for Christmas Caprese Wreath Salad
This Christmas Caprese wreath salad is not only visually stunning, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. This version is made with the same ingredients as the traditional Italian Caprese salad.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this festive salad:
Fresh ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 2 pints of cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Oregano to taste (start with 1 teaspoon and go from there)
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon of each and go from there)
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
Optional festive toppings
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup of pecans or walnuts
- Fresh shreds of basil
- Fresh rosemary
Wreath-shaped serving dish
To make your Caprese skewer wreath look like a true wreath, you’ll need a wreath-shaped serving dish. You can use a round platter or a large round plate with a hollow center.
Assembling the Christmas Caprese Wreath Salad
To assemble the Christmas Caprese wreath salad, I start by arranging the spinach and basil in a circular pattern on a large platter.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, I mix the olive oil with the oregano, salt, and pepper. I like to start with one teaspoon of each seasoning. Then, I crank it up from there based on how I’m feeling. In a large mixing bowl, I place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle the olive oil mixture over, turning the tomatoes to ensure they are coated well.
Then, I spoon the tomatoes over the bed of spinach and basil – as evenly as I can.
Afterward, I come behind with the mozzarella balls and pop them into the bare spaces. When finished, the entire wreath should look evenly full.
Dressing the Christmas Caprese Wreath Salad
To dress the salad, I sprinkle the entire thing with a bit more oregano.
To finish off the salad, you can add some fresh cranberries, basil strips, or pecans on top for a pop of color and texture. I often leave mine plain and let the tomatoes and mozzarella shine. But either way you go, the result is a beautiful and delicious salad that is perfect for any holiday gathering.
Keep a set of skewers and small platters or bowls nearby the serving platter so that guests can help themselves to the salad.
In my opinion, this Christmas Caprese wreath salad is a breeze to prepare – though its gorgeous presentation may fool your guests! With a few fresh ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, anyone can create this stunning salad that is sure to impress their guests.
Christmas Caprese Wreath Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Spinach fresh
- 1 cup Basil fresh
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Oregano divided; may need more
- 1 tsp Salt to taste; may need more
- 1 tsp Black pepper to taste; may need more
- 4 cups Cherry Tomatoes about 2 pints
- 16 oz Mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup Balsamic vinegar for dipping/dressing
Instructions
- On a platter of your choosing, place spinach and basil around in a circle covering your platter.
- In a small bowl combine olive oil with 1 teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper.
- In a larger bowl pour olive oil mixture over tomatoes and stir to coat.
- Spoon tomatoes over the layers of spinach and basil.
- Fill in gaps with the mozzarella balls and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of oregano.
- In a small bowl in the center, pour the balsamic vinegar to use for dipping.
- Arrange skewers around the edges for guests to use for self serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More Side Dish Ideas
Spicy Corn on the Cob Grilled in Foil
Elevated Jiffy Cornbread Muffins
Leave a Reply