Disclaimer: I'm so sad to know that the Parmigiano-Reggiano from Murray's at the Kroger stores is no longer considered gluten-free. The low down: Kroger bought out the Murray's cheese shops in their supermarkets. So, when the cheese wheels are cut now, they are cross-contaminated with things like wheat and nuts and milk. Murray's is great, and they list this on the print of every cheese block they have. Soooo, I will find an authentic cheese shop that can serve this authentic cheese in town that is safe. I still love you Murray's! And you too, Kroger! But wanted to make sure readers knew this change!
These tomato basil caprese salad bites are gluten-free and topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano, then drizzled with thick balsamic vinegar. A perfect appetizer for your Christmas party table this holiday season!
I'm a sucker for little bite sized snacks. I've got several recipes with fresh tomato and basil that are bite sized and beautiful. One of the very first recipes I published was a fantastic gluten-free caprese bruschetta, a bite sized easy appetizer that is amazing before a big gluten-free pasta dish. Another time I had a craving for some cream cheese sun-dried tomato bites. So simple and classic, and incredibly tasty. When I'm in the mood for some quick goat cheese, I whip up these little goat cheese fig bites and devour them. They're perfect hors d'oeuvres for the holidays!
As you can see, these types of recipes are easy and quick to whip up. Not to mention, they are so fresh and clean. For gluten-free eating, this is definitely the way to go.
When people think of Caprese salad, they always associate mozzarella with this dish. Capri is an island off the coast of Italy and the word Caprese actually means 'salad' in Italian. A Caprese salad has layers of fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil. Then it's drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper.
Now, a very well known plate in Italy is a fabulously aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, crumbled in chunks and drizzled with an authentic, thick balsamic vinegar. The combination is glorious.
This recipe is basically a combination of both the Parmigiano-Reggiano dish and a Caprese salad. Minus the mozzarella. For more of a chewy and bitter bite.
This is hearty and really has so much flavor to it. It's perfect for a snack with some great wine. Perfect for holiday appetizers to set out on the table when you have guests mingling.
A Few Tips To Make This Gluten-Free Tomato Basil Capris Salad Shine:
- Be sure to let your Parmigiano-Reggiano be about room temp for the best flavor here.
- Use pure balsamic. It is more expensive than imitation, has an acidic level of 4.5, and should not have 'grape must' in it. There are other ways to tell the differences between imitation and pure balsamic vinegar. Oh, and if it's pure, it will naturally be gluten-free.
So this fresh, gluten-free tomato basil Caprese salad bite with parmesan is all you need heading into the holidays. These are also PERFECT for New Year's Eve parties!! Seriously, perfect!
Hope you get a chance to try these out. It's the easiest recipe to make! Sometimes those recipes are the best. And this one, as always, is gluten-free!
Tomato Basil Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
- Roma Tomatoes
- ½ bunch Large basil leaves
- 1 Small block of Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Balsamic Vinegar Pure will be gluten-free
- Salt and pepper optional
Instructions
- Cut Roma tomatoes length wise and rounded, so they look like little boats and don't contain much juice or seeds.Eat the juicy tomato center separately.
- Plate tomato pieces skin side down, then wrap a ½ of a large basil leaf around each one. The ends of the basil leaf should hug each other atop the tomato center.
- Place chunks of parmesan on top basil ends to hold them in place and press down slightly.
- Place extra basil leaves and parmesan chunks on each side of plate for garnish.
- Drizzle everything with balsamic vinegar in any fun pattern you wish, and sprinkle salt and pepper, if desired. I do not add salt & pepper on this dish, however, it is definitely an option.
- Serve on plates, party platter, ect.
- Note: Be sure the cheese is room temperature, and choose large basil leaves.
Leave a Reply