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Starfish Caprese Salad

Featured in: Snack Laughs

This vibrant salad features ripe tomato slices and fresh mozzarella layered with basil leaves in an eye-catching starfish pattern. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, it bursts with fresh flavors perfect for warm days and casual gatherings. The mix of textures and colors creates a refreshing and elegant starter that's easy to prepare and pleasing to serve.

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Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:47:00 GMT
Bright, vibrant Starfish Caprese Salad, showcasing juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Save
Bright, vibrant Starfish Caprese Salad, showcasing juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. | nachohaha.com

A whimsical and refreshing twist on the classic Caprese this summer appetizer features ripe tomatoes creamy mozzarella and fresh basil artfully arranged in the shape of a starfishperfect for seaside gatherings or garden parties.

This salad always delights my guests especially at outdoor summer parties where its unique presentation sparks conversation.

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe tomatoes: sliced into 1/2-cm thick rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes: mixed colors optional_halved for garnish
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves: for layering
  • 250 g fresh mozzarella: preferably bocconcini or ciliegine sliced or whole
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: for drizzling
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze: for drizzling
  • Sea salt: to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Slice Tomatoes:
Slice the large tomatoes into 1/2-cm thick rounds.
Arrange Starfish:
Arrange the slices in a starfish shape on a large serving platter.
Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter over the tomato base to add color and texture.
Prepare Mozzarella:
Drain and slice mozzarella if using larger balls or leave bocconcini whole and nestle among tomato slices.
Add Basil:
Tuck fresh basil leaves between tomato and mozzarella pieces evenly for visual appeal.
Drizzle Oil and Glaze:
Drizzle olive oil followed by balsamic glaze evenly over the salad.
Season:
Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately optionally garnished with extra basil or edible flowers.
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| nachohaha.com

This salad brings back memories of summer picnics with family where everyone praises its fresh taste and creative look.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crisp crostini or grilled bread on the side to complement the fresh flavors.

Variations

Try adding thinly sliced cucumber or avocado for extra freshness and texture variation.

Tools Needed

Large serving platter sharp knife cutting board small spoon or squeeze bottle for balsamic glaze.

Vivid close-up of a Starfish Caprese Salad, ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing summer appetizer. Save
Vivid close-up of a Starfish Caprese Salad, ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing summer appetizer. | nachohaha.com

This refreshing salad is perfect for quick summer gatherings and adds elegance without extra effort.

Starfish Caprese Salad

Bright summer salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil arranged to delight the eyes and palate.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
1 min
Complete duration
16 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Produce

01 3 large ripe tomatoes
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mixed colors, optional)
03 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Cheese

01 9 oz fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine preferred)

Condiments

01 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Seasonings

01 Sea salt, to taste
02 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Slice tomatoes: Cut large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Phase 02

Arrange starfish base: Lay the tomato slices on a large serving platter in the shape of a starfish.

Phase 03

Add cherry tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and scatter evenly over the tomato base to enhance color and texture.

Phase 04

Prepare mozzarella: Drain and slice larger mozzarella balls or leave bocconcini/ciliegine whole; place pieces among tomato slices to accentuate starfish design.

Phase 05

Incorporate basil leaves: Insert fresh basil leaves evenly between tomato and mozzarella components for visual and aromatic appeal.

Phase 06

Dress the salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil uniformly over the arrangement, followed by balsamic glaze.

Phase 07

Season to taste: Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as preferred.

Phase 08

Serve: Present immediately, optionally garnished with additional basil or edible flowers.

Tools needed

  • Large serving platter
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small spoon or squeeze bottle for balsamic glaze

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk (mozzarella)

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 13 g