This playful Christmas Tree Caprese Salad turns simple ingredients into a centerpiece that gets everyone gathering around the table. It is bright, juicy, and so easy to assemble that even little hands can help. A quick drizzle and a sprinkling of basil make it taste as joyful as it looks.
Christmas Tree Caprese Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large platter or rimmed board
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Paper towels for drying mozzarella and basil
- 1 Small star cutter (optional)
- 1 Squeeze bottle for neat balsamic glaze lines (optional)
- 1 Toothpicks for serving (optional)
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) drained and patted dry
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves small leaves preferred; tear large leaves
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or homemade reduction
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Optional toppers
- 1 piece cucumber stick for the trunk (optional)
- 1 piece breadstick piece for the trunk (optional alternative)
- 1 piece mozzarella or yellow bell pepper cut into a small star (optional)
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts optional
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils optional
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano optional
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and halve the tomatoes. Drain mozzarella and pat dry so the salad does not water out. Pick basil leaves from stems and gently pat dry.
- Use a small star cutter on a slice of mozzarella or yellow bell pepper for the tree topper. Cut a cucumber stick or a short piece of breadstick for the trunk.
- On a large platter, make the widest row at the bottom with alternating mozzarella and tomato pieces. Tuck basil leaves between them for that pine look.
- Create shorter rows as you move upward, keeping the sides angled to form a triangle. Continue alternating tomatoes and mozzarella with basil tucked throughout.
- Place the star at the top and the trunk at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil, then add balsamic glaze in gentle zigzags. Add any optional toppings.
- Serve right away, or chill up to 30 minutes to let flavors mingle. Bring to room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Caprese Salad
- Festive in minutes with no cooking.
- Fresh, vibrant flavors everyone recognizes and loves.
- Easy to scale for small family nights or big holiday parties.
- Kid friendly to assemble and beautiful on any platter.
- Make ahead parts keep stress low on busy days.
Christmas Tree Caprese Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved for juicy pops of color.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine. Bocconcini or sliced fresh mozzarella cut into cubes also work.
- Fresh basil leaves. Small leaves tuck in easily. Tear large leaves if needed.
- Extra-virgin olive oil for a silky finish.
- Balsamic glaze or homemade reduction. For a quick version, simmer balsamic vinegar with a splash of grape juice or a bit of honey until syrupy.
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Optional toppers: cucumber stick or a piece of breadstick for the trunk, a mozzarella or yellow bell pepper star, toasted pine nuts, pomegranate arils, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Tree Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Rinse and halve the tomatoes. Drain mozzarella and pat dry so the salad does not water out. Pick basil leaves from stems and gently pat dry.
Step 2: Make a star and trunk
Use a small star cutter on a slice of mozzarella or yellow bell pepper for the tree topper. Cut a cucumber stick or a short piece of breadstick for the trunk.
Step 3: Lay the base row
On a large platter, make the widest row at the bottom with alternating mozzarella and tomato pieces. Tuck basil leaves between them for that pine look.
Step 4: Build the tree shape
Create shorter rows as you move upward, keeping the sides angled to form a triangle. Continue alternating tomatoes and mozzarella with basil tucked throughout.
Step 5: Finish and season
Place the star at the top and the trunk at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil, then add balsamic glaze in gentle zigzags. Add any optional toppings.
Step 6: Serve or chill briefly
Serve right away, or chill up to 30 minutes to let flavors mingle. Bring to room temperature for the best flavor.
Tips for Success
- Pat everything dry. Moisture can dilute the glaze and slide pieces around.
- Build on a platter you can carry easily. A rimmed board helps keep the shape intact.
- Use the smallest basil leaves near the top so the tip looks neat.
- Pipe the glaze from a squeeze bottle for clean lines.
- Season lightly. A little salt wakes up the tomatoes and cheese.
- Set out toothpicks for easy grazing, especially for larger gatherings.
Variations of Christmas Tree Caprese Salad
- Wreath style: Arrange in a ring and place the star at the top center.
- Candy cane platter: Stripe tomatoes and mozzarella in a cane shape, then add basil accents.
- Olive twist: Swap some cheese with marinated olives for briny contrast.
- Herby glow: Add a drizzle of pesto with the olive oil for extra basil depth.
- Crunch and sparkle: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and a few pomegranate arils like ornaments.
- Smoky hint: Dust lightly with smoked paprika for a cozy note.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Tree Caprese Salad
- Warm crostini or focaccia for dipping into the olive oil and glaze.
- Roasted chicken or turkey as a hearty main.
- Simple pasta with garlic and olive oil to round out the meal.
- Sparkling water with citrus slices or spiced apple cider for a festive sip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Cover the assembled salad and refrigerate up to 1 day. For the best texture, store tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil separately and assemble within a few hours of serving.
- Glaze: Keep balsamic glaze separate until serving to avoid soggy spots.
- Reheating: Not needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If chilled, let it sit 15 minutes before serving for peak flavor.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year, we shape this tree while holiday music plays and someone sneaks the first mozzarella pearl. It is the kind of simple ritual that turns a regular evening into a story everyone remembers.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prep tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil up to 1 day ahead. Keep them chilled and dry, then assemble and drizzle just before serving.
What if I do not have balsamic glaze?
Simmer balsamic vinegar with a splash of grape juice or a bit of honey over low heat until thick and glossy. Cool before drizzling.
How do I keep basil from wilting?
Dry it well, add it just before serving, and avoid placing it directly on very wet surfaces.
Which mozzarella works best?
Ciliegine or pearls are ideal. Bocconcini or sliced fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes also works. Avoid very soft fillings that can weep.
Can I transport this to a party?
Yes. Build the tree on a rimmed platter, bring the glaze in a small container, and drizzle on arrival.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Caprese Salad delivers cheer with very little effort. Fresh, colorful, and unfussy, it is the kind of dish that lets you enjoy the moment and still set down something beautiful.