Fresh American Flag Caprese Salad Platter
A simple, refreshing Caprese salad arranged in an American flag pattern, perfect for summer celebrations and holiday gatherings. It features fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, blueberries, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- Red cherry tomatoes
- White cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh blueberries
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze or reduction
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Fresh oregano leaves
- Optional: Lemon zest
Instructions
- Wash and dry all fresh produce including cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and blueberries using paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise for easier layering and bite-size pieces.
- Drain fresh mozzarella balls and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Arrange a cluster of fresh blueberries in the top left corner of a large rectangular serving platter to represent the blue star field, covering roughly a quarter of the platter’s width and height.
- Create alternating horizontal rows of halved red and white cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to form the stripes of the flag, starting with a tomato row just below the blueberry cluster.
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the stripes and around the edges for green color and aroma.
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and cheese.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly across the entire platter using a spoon or small brush.
- Artfully drizzle a thin line of balsamic glaze over the tomato and mozzarella stripes, avoiding the blueberries.
- Optionally, sprinkle torn oregano leaves or a light dusting of lemon zest for extra brightness and herbal depth.
Notes
Keep ingredients well dried to avoid sogginess. Assemble the salad last minute for best freshness. Substitute burrata for mozzarella for creamier texture or blueberries with black grapes or blackberries if desired. For vegan option, use plant-based cheese and vegan-friendly balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the p
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Caprese salad, American flag salad, summer salad, Fourth of July recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, patriotic salad