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Individual Caprese Salad

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If you’re looking for a fresh, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these individual Caprese salad are a must-try. Not only are they packed with flavor, but their adorable presentation in mini mason jars or shooter glasses will wow your guests. Made with layers of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade basil pesto, these salads are an elegant twist on the classic Caprese.

individual caprese salad

Individual Caprese Salad

This recipe is especially great for events where finger foods are the star of the show, as each serving is perfectly portioned and easy to eat. The addition of cheese tortellini adds a bit more substance, making it a satisfying option for anyone who loves Italian flavors. Plus, the bright colors and fresh ingredients will make this dish pop on your appetizer table.

Whether you’re serving these at a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or just as a fun snack at home, these individual Caprese salads are simple to make and bursting with flavor. And because they can be served chilled or at room temperature, they’re a low-stress, high-reward addition to any menu.

individual caprese salad

What You Will Love About This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this individual Caprese salad recipe! First, the presentation is absolutely charming – served in small jars or glasses, each guest gets their own beautifully layered portion, making it perfect for gatherings and entertaining. The homemade basil pesto is a true standout, adding a rich, fresh flavor that elevates the whole dish. Plus, the addition of tortellini gives it a heartier twist, transforming a classic appetizer into a more satisfying bite. These little salads bring together bright, summery flavors in a way that’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress!

individual caprese salad

Ingredients

How to Make Caprese Salad

  • Add pine nuts to a dry (no oil), cold frying pan; toast pine nuts over low heat on the stove top, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and start to toast, about 5 minutes. They will burn very quickly, so watch them closely.Remove from pan to cool.
add the ingredients to your blender
  • Add basil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and half the olive oil to a food processor or blender. Process about 30 seconds, scrape down sides of bowl, add more of the olive oil as needed and process until a drizzly consistency is reached. Set aside. 
blend all the ingredients
  • Add a couple tomatoes to the bottom of the jar or glass, followed by tortellini, mozzarella, and a small dab of pesto, layer until you reach the top of the glass, then drizzle ¼ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar on top. Serve cold, or room temperature. 
individual caprese salad

Tips & Tricks

  • Make the Pesto Ahead of Time – Homemade pesto is amazing, but it’s even better when the flavors have had a chance to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh and vibrant.
  • Use Quality Ingredients – This recipe is all about simple, fresh flavors, so go for high-quality ingredients: fresh basil, good olive oil, and the best mozzarella you can find. The quality really shines through in every bite!
  • Customize the Layers – Feel free to get creative with the layers! If you want a bit of extra crunch, add a few arugula leaves or cucumber slices. You can also drizzle a touch more balsamic vinegar or even use a balsamic glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
  • Serve at the Right Temperature – This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Let the glasses sit out for about 15 minutes before serving if they’ve been in the fridge, allowing the flavors to warm up just slightly for the best taste experience.
  • Toasting the Pine Nuts – Keep a close eye on those pine nuts while toasting – they can burn in seconds! A light golden color and a nutty aroma mean they’re perfect. Toasted pine nuts make the pesto more flavorful, adding a warm depth that’s well worth the extra step.
  • Great for Meal Prep – You can prepare the pesto and tortellini ahead of time, then quickly layer the salads just before serving. This makes it easy to serve a crowd with minimal last-minute prep!

FAQs

Yes! You can make the pesto and cook the tortellini a day or two ahead of time. For the best presentation, assemble the salad in individual glasses or jars just before serving, or up to a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

Absolutely. While homemade pesto gives this dish a fresher flavor, high-quality store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Just look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugars for the best taste.

Yes! If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, you can use a ball of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

For parties, serve these in small, clear glasses or mini mason jars so guests can see the beautiful layers. Add appetizer skewers or small forks for easy eating, making this an elegant, mess-free appetizer.

Yes! If you’d like to keep it lighter, skip the tortellini and layer just the tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto. It will still be delicious and closer to a traditional Caprese salad, but with an extra pesto twist.

Once assembled, the salads are best enjoyed within 24 hours. The pesto may darken slightly over time, so if you’re prepping more than a day ahead, store the pesto separately and layer it when ready to serve.

individual caprese salad

Storage of Pesto

To keep your pesto fresh and vibrant, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and smooth the surface. Then, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it—this helps prevent browning by keeping out air. Store the container in the fridge, where the pesto should last up to a week.

If you’d like to store it longer, freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once frozen, pop the pesto cubes out and transfer them to a freezer bag. Frozen pesto can last up to 3 months, and you can thaw it as needed for future recipes!

individual caprese salad
individual caprese salad long pin
individual caprese salad
individual caprese salad

Individual Caprese Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Individual Caprese Salad is an easy elegant appetizer that you will wow your guests with at any get together, little will they know how easy it is to make with our 5 ingredient pesto that is then layered with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cheese tortellini, that is drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar served in shooter glasses or mason jars.

Ingredients

Instructions

    1. Add pine nuts to a dry (no oil), cold frying pan; toast pine nuts over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant, and start to toast about 5 minutes. They will burn very quickly, so watch them closely. Remove from pan to cool.
    2. Add basil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and half the olive oil to a food processor or blender. Process about 30 seconds, scrape down sides of the bowl, add more of the olive oil as needed, and process until a drizzly consistency is reached. Set aside. 
    3. Add a couple of tomatoes to the bottom of the jar or glass, followed by tortellini, mozzarella, and a small dab of pesto, layer until you reach the top of the glass, then drizzle ¼ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar on top. Serve cold, or room temperature.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 226Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 253mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g

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