My Caprese Christmas Wreath is the ideal addition to your festive table. Not only is it a delicious and popular salad, but it makes an attractive table centrepiece. Enjoy it as an appetiser or serve it as a side dish; it is the ideal companion to hot or cold dishes, meat, fish or poultry.
sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper - to tasteSee Note 4
balsamic glaze - to serve, optional
Instructions
For an attractive presentation and the maximum effect, choose a large, white platter.
Gently wash and dry the basil.Remove the basil leaves from the stems and arrange decoratively around the edge of the platter.
Arrange the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini on the basil leaves.
The salad can be prepared to this stage a little in advance. If you do refrigerate it, ensure that it has returned to room temperature prior to serving.If preparing the salad in advance, do not season with salt and pepper or add the olive until just prior to serving.When ready to serve, season to taste and drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
Fresh basil bruises easily so it is important to handle it gently.
Bocconcini are balls of fresh mozzarella, found in the refrigerator section at your supermarket. They range in size through large, medium and the very small, cherry sized ones that I have used here. The measurements are by weight.
In Australia, the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries, the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. You may have to adjust the recipe accordingly.
For the best flavour, I recommend that you use sea salt. My preference is Maldon sea salt; as well as flavour, the flakes provide some texture.
Please note, the nutritional information is based on this being enjoyed as four servings. The nutritional information is an estimate only.