Imagine a dish that transforms the traditional caprese salad into a cozy, winter-friendly masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Pan Roasted Winter Caprese Salad is not just a recipe, it's a culinary experience that brings together the sweetness of blistered cherry tomatoes, the creamy richness of melted mozzarella, and the aromatic freshness of basil in one stunning dish. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something light yet satisfying, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing cherry tomatoes thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. Cut fresh mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until the oil begins to shimmer and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully add cherry tomatoes to the hot pan, ensuring they are spread in a single layer. Allow tomatoes to roast without moving them for 3-4 minutes until they start to blister and develop a deep golden-brown color on the bottom.
- Gently shake the pan or use tongs to turn the tomatoes, roasting them evenly on all sides. The goal is to create slight charring and intensify their natural sweetness.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add cubed mozzarella to the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to slightly soften but not completely melt.
- Remove pan from heat and immediately transfer roasted tomatoes and mozzarella to a serving platter.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze evenly over the warm salad, ensuring good coverage of both tomatoes and cheese.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top of the dish for vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Season with freshly ground sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while the tomatoes are warm and the mozzarella is slightly melted, capturing the essence of a winter-style caprese salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use ripe, firm cherry tomatoes and fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for the best results.
- Get your pan temperature right: The key to perfect blistering is a hot pan with shimmering olive oil. Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure tomatoes are in a single layer to achieve proper roasting and caramelization.
- Watch the timing carefully: Roast tomatoes just until they blister and develop golden-brown edges, but before they become mushy.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking when the tomatoes are warm and the mozzarella is slightly melted.
- Experiment with balsamic glaze: For an extra flavor punch, try infused balsamic glazes like fig or herb-infused varieties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
