Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes
Juicy heirloom tomatoes stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a bright balsamic glaze—the best presentation for a simple, elegant salad. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 4 medium heirloom tomatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Arrange the tomato halves cut-side up on a platter.
- Step 2: Place 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls into each tomato half, then top with 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves per tomato.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 4: Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the stuffed tomatoes. Add 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern across the tops. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best in Show Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.