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You are here: Home / Recipes / Christmas Recipes

Candy Cane Caprese

📋 Modified: Jul 7, 2023 Published: Jun 5, 2022 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · 💬 2 Comments

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This easy Candy Cane Caprese appetizer is the perfect 10 minute, no-cook holiday recipe loaded with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil—arranged into a festive candy cane shape!

Candy Cane Caprese close up with balsamic

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This Christmas Caprese salad adds a bright, colorful touch to your holiday table and pairs perfectly with balsamic glaze. Simple, fresh, and perfect for entertaining.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Candy Cane Caprese Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How To Make Candy Cane Caprese
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Related
  • More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, Simple Ingredients: Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil make this feel light but still full of flavor.
  • Festive Presentation: The candy cane shape instantly makes your holiday table feel special!
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with zero cooking, which is exactly what I need when the oven’s already packed.
  • Customizable: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, add prosciutto, or sprinkle with flaky salt—there’s plenty of ways to make it your own.

Candy Cane Caprese Ingredients

  • Tomato: Try to find evenly-sized tomatoes to match the diameter of the pre-packaged sliced cheese.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: I love the BelGioioso brand!
  • Basil: Fresh basil is the best option for this dish.
  • Balsamic glaze: See FAQ below if you have trouble finding balsamic glaze and already have balsamic vinegar on hand.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

Mozzarella: Swap for sliced burrata (for a creamy center).
Tomatoes: Use heirloom tomato slices for a summer treat.
Balsamic Glaze: Replace with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a more classic Caprese flavor.
Add Prosciutto: Layer thin slices of prosciutto between the tomato and mozzarella.
Pesto Drizzle: Swap or add to the balsamic glaze with a drizzle of basil pesto for extra herb flavor.

How To Make Candy Cane Caprese

STEP ONE: Slice the Tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes and slice them evenly for clean, uniform layers.

STEP TWO: Arrange the Candy Cane Shape

On a large platter, layer the tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and sliced mozzarella, alternating as you go to create a candy cane shape.

STEP THREE: Finish with Balsamic and Seasoning

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use ripe firm tomatoes.
✔️ DO Slice mozzarella evenly.
✔️ DO Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving.
❌ DO NOT Skip drying the tomatoes. Excess moisture can ruin the presentation.
❌ DO NOT Add basil too early since it can wilt fast.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. The tomatoes will release some juices, so we like to place a paper towel underneath to help absorb the moisture.

Recipe FAQs

What type of mozzarella is best for a Caprese appetizer?

Fresh mozzarella logs or pre-sliced mozzarella is ideal for a Caprese appetizer. They provide uniform slices that layer neatly, making it easier to achieve the classic candy cane shape.

How do you prevent tomatoes from making Caprese salad watery?

Using firmer tomato varieties to help reduce excess moisture. Slicing tomatoes just before assembly and gently patting them dry with a paper towel prevents the salad from becoming watery.

Related

  • Tomato and Avocado Side Salad
  • Prosciutto Burrata Salad
  • Tomato Caprese Salad
  • Watermelon Caprese
  • Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich

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Did You Like This Candy Cane Caprese Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this candy cane caprese is amazing!

📖 Recipe

candy cane shaped caprese with basil and balsamic

Candy Cane Caprese

Jami Powell
This easy Candy Cane Caprese appetizer is the perfect 10 minute, no-cook holiday recipe loaded with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil—arranged into a festive candy cane shape!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 12 kcal

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe firm tomatoes
  • 1 package fresh sliced mozzarella
  • fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the tomatoes under cool water and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even rounds for consistent layering.
  • On a large serving platter, alternate layers of tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella slices. Arrange them into a curved candy cane shape, slightly overlapping each piece for a festive look.
  • Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

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Notes

Storage Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.
Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Reheat No reheating is required.
Substitutions
  • Mozzarella: Swap for sliced burrata (for a creamy center).
  • Tomatoes: Use heirloom tomato slices for a summer treat.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Replace with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a more classic Caprese flavor.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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Comments

  1. Stacy says

    June 05, 2022 at 10:57 pm

    This is a great idea for holidays!

    Reply
    • Jami Powell says

      July 19, 2023 at 4:43 am

      And also delicious. Thank you for the comment! 😊

      Reply
4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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