Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad takes the beloved Italian classic to a whole new level. By roasting cherry tomatoes until they’re bursting with sweetness and depth, then pairing them with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, this salad delivers a warm, rich, and satisfying bite that feels both rustic and refined.

What Is Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad?

This dish is a roasted variation of the traditional Caprese salad. Instead of using raw tomatoes, Ina roasts cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The warm tomatoes are then layered with slices of fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, and the entire salad is drizzled with balsamic vinegar and more olive oil. The result is a warm, slightly sweet, and herbaceous salad that’s perfect year-round.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Sagaponack Corn Pudding
• Ina Garten Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Ina Garten Roasted Pear and Apple Sauce

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Enhances tomato flavor through roasting
• Perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy
• Elegant presentation for guests
• Warmer version of Caprese – ideal for any season
• Can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light lunch
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
• Simple ingredients, elevated result

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
• Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Season the tomatoes

Place the cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add the minced garlic. Toss well to coat.

Step 3: Roast the tomatoes

Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized. Let them cool slightly after removing from the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

On a serving platter, alternate slices of mozzarella and spoonfuls of roasted tomatoes. Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout.

Step 5: Drizzle and serve

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Grilled chicken or steak – Adds hearty protein to round out the meal
• Crusty bread or focaccia – Perfect for soaking up tomato juices
• Pasta with pesto or olive oil – Complements the herby basil flavor
• Chilled white wine or rosé – Balances the warmth and richness
• Roasted vegetables or potatoes – For a full vegetarian spread
• Prosciutto or salami slices – Adds a salty, savory contrast
• Fresh fruit salad or melon – Refreshes the palate after the savory bite

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes – Roasting concentrates their flavor
• Don’t overcook the tomatoes – They should hold their shape but be soft
• Let tomatoes cool slightly – Prevents mozzarella from melting too much
• Use high-quality mozzarella – Fresh, whole-milk mozzarella works best
• Tear basil instead of chopping – Helps preserve flavor and aroma
• Serve at room temperature for best taste
• Use aged balsamic vinegar – Adds sweetness and depth without overwhelming the dish

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Add sliced avocado – Creaminess complements the warm tomatoes
• Top with pine nuts or toasted walnuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness
• Use burrata instead of mozzarella – Extra rich and creamy
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat
• Swap basil for arugula – For a peppery twist
• Use heirloom cherry tomatoes – Adds color and variety
• Finish with lemon zest or basil oil – For brightness and depth

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best within 1–2 days
• Keep tomatoes and mozzarella separate if storing components
• Do not freeze – Texture of cheese and tomatoes will suffer
• Bring to room temperature before serving leftovers – Enhances flavor
• Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps – Delicious and easy

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

• Only reheat the tomatoes if desired – Microwave or stovetop briefly
• Avoid reheating mozzarella – It can become rubbery
• Serve the salad warm, not hot – Best texture and flavor
• Refresh with new basil and drizzle before serving again
• Layer onto toasted bread for a warm Caprese bruschetta

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 340mg

A balanced, light dish packed with flavor and freshness.

FAQs

Why roast tomatoes for Caprese salad?

Roasting enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in tomatoes, making them richer and more intense, especially useful when tomatoes are out of season.

Can you serve roasted tomato Caprese salad cold?

It’s best served warm or at room temperature. Cold roasted tomatoes can lose their texture and flavor, but they’re still safe to eat and enjoyable.

What kind of mozzarella is best for roasted tomato Caprese?

Fresh whole-milk mozzarella or mozzarella di bufala is ideal. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm, juicy tomatoes.

How long should you roast cherry tomatoes for Caprese salad?

Roast cherry tomatoes at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize without bursting completely.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a warm, vibrant, and sophisticated spin on a timeless favorite. It’s simple enough for everyday meals, yet elegant enough for entertaining. This salad turns seasonal produce into a showstopper.

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