Description
These Delicious Christmas Mini Caprese Salad Cups are perfect festive appetizers for holiday parties. Featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze served in crispy mini phyllo pastry cups, they are easy to prepare and beautifully presented for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly Ingredients
- 12 small phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cups: If using phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells, bake them according to package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before assembling.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Carefully halve each cherry tomato from top to bottom to maintain a clean and attractive presentation for the salad cups.
- Assemble the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the fresh mozzarella balls. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, then gently toss everything together.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture generously into each crispy pastry cup or tart shell, ensuring each cup is nicely filled for visual appeal.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the filled cups. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the vibrant flavors of the salad.
- Garnish: For an extra festive touch, place a small fresh basil leaf on top of each cup to add a pop of color and aroma.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free mini tart shells or pastry cups.
- Balsamic glaze can be purchased or homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- These cups are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the pastry and freshness of the ingredients.
- To prep ahead, keep the salad mixture and pastry cups separate until serving time.
