Want an easy, elegant way to wow your holiday guests? Try this 5-ingredient, 10-minute caprese salad! So fresh, quick and perfect for parties. Creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil make a beautiful Christmas appetizer. We love to serve this with toasted baguette slices and a tangy balsamic glaze.

Candy Cane Caprese Board

Name: Candy Cane Caprese Board
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 6 Roma tomatoes, sliced; 16 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced; 10 to 12 fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp. olive oil, for drizzling; 1 French baguette, sliced and toasted; 1/4 cup balsamic glaze, optional

What do you say, is it time for a bit of Christmas cheer? 🎅 I think so!

You can bet I’m bringing it to you with this colorful and delicious holiday appetizer!

There is truly nothing better than a caprese salad this time of year. Those festive colors and fresh flavors combined make the perfect party dish for entertaining. You can also make this an easy, light weeknight dinner for those days after you’ve had a little too much holiday indulging. 😉

Drizzle your tomatoes and mozzarella with good olive oil, tuck in a few fresh basil leaves, and BAM! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous, tasty Italian caprese in under 10 minutes. I like to scatter toasted baguette slices and a bowl of balsamic glaze on the side (you can also use basil pesto) to amp up the flavor and add a little crunch.

Let’s get into the recipe and get you bringing the most gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth Caprese Candy Cane to the table!

Ready to make your own Candy Cane Caprese Board?

• Preheat broiler. Drizzle a large baking sheet with olive oil. Broil tomato slices for 3-5 minutes, careful not to burn. Remove from oven.

• On a large cutting board/serving board, create candy cane shape by alternating fresh mozzarella with tomato slices. Shape a left-facing curve at the top and a straight line toward the bottom. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

• Toast baguette slices. Add a small bowl of balsamic glaze to the board. Scatter board with toasted baguette slices.

• Before serving, drizzle candy cane with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Serve and enjoy!

Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe, below

Want more fresh, delicious caprese recipes? Try these!

• Smashed Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta

• Crispy Eggplant Caprese Stacks

• Peach and Avocado Caprese Salad

• Mini Caprese Salad Bites

• Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad

• Burrata Caprese Salad with Peach and Proscuitto

• Grilled Caprese Chicken and Summer Squash

• Scrambled Egg Caprese Avocado Toast

Quick tip: Though this recipe calls for broiled tomatoes, you can certainly use fresh, uncooked tomatoes! Just skip the broiling step and layer up your tomatoes with the mozzarella – voila! Cut your time in half, and keep it quicker this way. Buy pre-sliced fresh mozzarella in your grocery’s specialty cheese section, too. Less than 10 minutes ’til you’re bringing the heat this holiday season – without even turning on your oven. Easy, elegant and oh-so impressive!

For serving on the side, toasted baguette slices are a good option. Get them nice and crunchy by laying on a sheet pan and baking for 10-12 minutes (or so) at 400 degrees F. Or, go easy with store-bought pita chips, mini bagel crisps, club crackers, Ritz crackers, or any thicker cracker that you like. Balsamic salad dressing and balsamic glaze make a perfect drizzle. Or, use basil pesto for a bit more color and fresh, herbaceous flavor!

This caprese salad is best assembled on the day of your event, since the tomatoes can go a little watery if sitting too long.

I hope you love this recipe, and get to enjoy it with your family and friends this holiday season. This easy caprese platter is just as cute for cozy movie nights in, as it is for a fancy holiday shindig with your nearest and dearest.

Please feel free to leave a comment and a star rating, if you give it a go. I would love to hear from you!