Individual Caprese Salad
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
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.
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!
Ingredients
- Pesto
- 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 cups basil
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil, such as Colavita
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if desired
- 1 pkg. Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- Specialty items
- 12 small vessels, such as shooter glasses, shot glasses, or tiny mason jars
- Cocktail forks or appetizer skewers
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 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.
- 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.
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
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 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
- Pesto
- 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 cups basil
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil, such as Colavita
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if desired
- 1 pkg. Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- Specialty items
- 12 small vessels, such as shooter glasses, shot glasses, or tiny mason jars
- Cocktail forks or appetizer skewers
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 226Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 253mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Sounds great! If I use store bought pesto, how much would I use? TIA
About 1 cup. 🙂 Enjoy them! 🙂