Description
Ladybug Caprese Bites are a playful and delicious twist on the classic caprese salad, featuring mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 (8-ounce) log of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
12 fresh basil leaves
6 grape or cherry tomatoes
3 large black olives
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to about 2 tablespoons and is thick and syrupy (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool, then place in the fridge to thicken further.
- Slice each grape or cherry tomato in half lengthwise. Make a vertical slit down the center of each half to create the ‘wings.’ Slice each black olive into quarters.
- Arrange 12 slices of mozzarella cheese on a serving platter, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Top each mozzarella slice with a fresh basil leaf.
- Place a halved grape or cherry tomato on top of the basil, then position one piece of black olive at the top of the tomato to form the ladybug’s head. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Remove the balsamic reduction from the fridge. Use a toothpick to dip into the reduction and place dots all over the tomato halves to replicate ladybug markings.
- Serve immediately, drizzling with any remaining balsamic reduction, extra virgin olive oil, and seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
For a cheese alternative, use burrata for a creamier texture or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
For a sweeter version, swap balsamic vinegar for a sweet balsamic glaze.
Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle fresh oregano for extra flavor.
To make it spicy, add crushed red pepper to the balsamic reduction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
