Healthy Valentine’s Day Caprese Salad

Looking for a way to make Valentine’s Day feel extra special? I’ve been making this heart-shaped caprese salad for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. Sure, a regular caprese is good any day of the week, but there’s something sweet about arranging those red tomatoes and white mozzarella into a simple heart shape.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to put together. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to make something that looks like you spent hours on it. I usually prep everything while my kids are finishing their homework, and in just a few minutes, I’ve got a Valentine’s Day appetizer that makes everyone feel loved.

And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love the classic combo of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? It’s one of those fool-proof combinations that just works, whether you’re making it for your sweetheart or serving it at a family dinner.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

For a caprese salad, you’ll want to reach for ripe, in-season tomatoes that are firm but give slightly when pressed. Beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are perfect choices since their large size makes them ideal for slicing into substantial rounds that can support the mozzarella hearts. Roma tomatoes can work in a pinch, but they’re typically smaller and won’t give you those impressive presentation-worthy slices. When shopping, give your tomatoes a gentle sniff near the stem end – if they smell sweet and tomato-y, they’re ready to use. Just remember to store them at room temperature until you’re ready to make your salad, as refrigeration can make them mealy and diminish their flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This sweet Valentine’s Day salad can be customized with a few simple swaps:

• Fresh mozzarella: If you can’t find pre-sliced mozzarella, you can use a whole ball and slice it yourself. In a pinch, burrata works too – though it’s softer and harder to cut into shapes. Just place it in the center and arrange the tomatoes around it.
• Tomatoes: While fresh, ripe tomatoes are best for this dish, you can use different varieties like Roma, beefsteak, or even colorful heirloom tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes (halved) work in a pinch, though they won’t look as fancy.
• Balsamic reduction: Regular balsamic vinegar can work, but it will be thinner and less sweet. To make your own reduction, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half and thickens.
• Fresh basil: While fresh basil is traditional in caprese, you could use baby arugula for a peppery twist. But honestly, the fresh basil really makes this dish special, so try not to skip it!
• Baguette: Any crusty bread works here – ciabatta, sourdough, or even crackers can stand in for the baguette. You can also serve it without bread if you’re watching carbs.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making a Caprese salad is using cold mozzarella straight from the fridge, which mutes its creamy flavor and makes it rubbery – let your cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before assembling. Another common mistake is using out-of-season tomatoes that lack flavor; if you can’t find ripe, in-season tomatoes, try smaller cherry tomatoes which tend to be sweeter year-round. When cutting your mozzarella hearts, dip your cookie cutter in hot water between each cut to prevent the cheese from sticking and tearing, ensuring clean edges for your presentation. For the best flavor balance, resist the urge to drown your salad in balsamic reduction – a light drizzle is all you need, as too much can overpower the delicate taste of the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.

What to Serve With Caprese Salad?

This fresh and simple caprese salad pairs perfectly with so many Italian-inspired main dishes! Try serving it alongside a plate of pasta like fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs for a complete meal. For a lighter option, it makes a great starter before grilled chicken or fish – the bright flavors really wake up your taste buds. Since this salad already comes with toasted baguette slices, you’ve got your bread course covered, but feel free to add some grilled vegetables or a cup of soup if you want to round out the meal even more.

Storage Instructions

Prep Ahead: You can cut your mozzarella hearts and slice the tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them separate in airtight containers in the fridge. Wait to add the basil, oil, and balsamic until right before serving to keep everything fresh and looking pretty.

Keep Fresh: Once assembled, this Caprese salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 hours at room temperature. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but know that the tomatoes might get a bit watery and the presentation won’t be as nice as when freshly made.

Serving Tip: If you’ve refrigerated your prepped ingredients, let the tomatoes and mozzarella sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembling. This brings out the best flavors – cold tomatoes can taste a bit bland!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced (approximately 20 pieces)
• 12-ounce pre-sliced mozzarella log, carved into heart shapes using a cookie cutter (around 12 mozzarella hearts)
• Fresh basil leaves, for decoration
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
• Toasted baguette slices, for serving

Step 1: Arrange Tomato Slices

Begin by forming the tomato slices into a heart shape on a serving board or platter.

Take your time to arrange the slices neatly, ensuring that the heart shape is well-defined and pleasing to the eye.

Step 2: Add Mozzarella Hearts

Top each tomato slice with a piece of fresh mozzarella cut into a heart shape.

Place the mozzarella hearts so that they follow the same heart pattern as the tomatoes beneath them.

Step 3: Place Fresh Basil Leaves

Next to each mozzarella heart, place a fresh basil leaf.

The vibrant green of the basil will add a nice contrast and pop of color to the arrangement.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Drizzle the entire heart-shaped arrangement with a generous amount of olive oil and a swirl of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the heart arrangement with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Serve your beautiful creation with toasted baguette slices on the side, and enjoy this delightful and visually appealing dish.