Mason Jar Caprese Fresh (Printable Version)

Layered cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil dressed in balsamic and olive oil for a fresh portable dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dressing

04 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Divide the dressing evenly among four clean 16 ounce mason jars, pouring it into the bottom of each jar.
03 - Layer the cherry tomato halves on top of the dressing in each jar.
04 - Add the mozzarella balls as the next layer over the tomatoes.
05 - Top with a layer of fresh basil leaves.
06 - Seal the jars tightly with lids and refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - When serving, shake the jar gently to distribute the dressing, or pour contents onto a plate and toss gently.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It actually travels without falling apart or getting soggy, which sounds simple until you've packed salads your whole life.
  • The layering trick keeps the dressing from immediately turning your tomatoes into mush, so it stays fresh and crisp until you eat it.
  • You can make four of these in the time it takes to chop vegetables, then grab one anytime hunger hits.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the mozzarella completely—any excess water will dilute your dressing and make everything taste watered down by lunch.
  • The order of layering matters because dressing-first means everything stays coated and protected rather than sitting dry at the bottom.
03 -
  • If you're serving immediately, shake the jar hard enough that you hear the tomatoes moving, but not so hard that the mozzarella cracks.
  • Buy mozzarella from a refrigerated section that has high turnover—the fresher it is, the better the texture and taste will shine through.
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