Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe (2024)

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By Katie Moseman 10 Comments

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Give your classic Italian caprese salad a twist by stacking it on crispy onion rings! Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious appetizer.

Onion Ring Caprese Salad

You’ve probably heard of the classic Italian caprese salad. Thick slices of mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil or balsamic reduction.

I’ve seen many variations over the years, from a strawberry caprese saladto many others. Today, I’m going to show you how to put together a quick and delicious caprese salad usingcrispy onion rings!

Why onion rings? Well, to start, it’s a texture thing. The combination of crunchy, soft, and juicy hits something close to perfection.

Of course, it’s all about the flavor, too. Sweet tomatoes, salty onion rings, piquant balsamic reduction, fragrant olive oil, and the herbal tang of basil combine to delight the palate with every bite.

I made these for lunch one day and it was an absolute treat. I highly recommend them as a light lunch, a snack or appetizer, or a surprise first course when entertaining.

They’re absolutely beautiful to look at, too.

If you get to give these tasty stacks a try, leave a comment and let me know how you liked this variation on caprese salad!

Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe (4)

5 from 1 vote

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Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe

Give your classic Italian caprese salad a twist by stacking it on crispy onion rings! Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious appetizer.

CourseAppetizer

CuisineItalian

Servings 4

Calories 522 kcal

Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

  • 14ouncesfrozen onion rings
  • 8ouncesof fresh mozzarellabuffalo style
  • 1ounceof fresh basil
  • 3ripeflavorful tomatoes
  • 3/4cupof balsamic vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oilto garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven according to the frozen onion ring package directions, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Once the oven is preheated, place the frozen onion rings on the baking sheet and bake according to package directions.

  2. While the onion rings are in the oven, place the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened and able to coat a spoon (the consistency of maple syrup). Set aside to cool.

  3. Cut the mozzarella into rounds. Rinse the basil and pat dry. Slice the tomatoes and allow extra liquid to drain away.

  4. When the onion rings are done, let cool slightly before handling. To make the stacks, nest smaller onion rings inside the largest onion rings to make a base. Stack the cheese on top, then add a layer of basil leaves, then top with a tomato slice. Continue making stacks until you have used up all the onion rings. If you have broken onion rings, you can use toothpicks to make miniature kebabs with pieces of onion ring, tomato, basil, and cheese.

  5. Arrange the stacks on plates, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar reduction. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped basil, then serve.

Nutrition Facts

Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 522Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 538mg23%

Potassium 817mg23%

Carbohydrates 58g19%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 17g19%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 430IU9%

Vitamin C 15.3mg19%

Calcium 241mg24%

Iron 2.1mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe (5)

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Comments

  1. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer

    This is such a creative idea!! I love caprese salad, and adding onions rings in genius!

    Reply

  2. Valerie

    This is genius! I love onion rings, they are one big splurge and I live on Caprese all summer long. Great recipe!

    Reply

  3. Stephanie

    Looks beautiful AND delicious! Using the crisp Alexia onion rings just seems like the perfect fit for a Caprese salad! Thanks for sharing. #client

    Reply

  4. Izzy @ She likes food

    This is such a great idea!! These look awesome! The perfect way to add a little crunch to a caprese salad!

    Reply

  5. Fa's Kitchen

    Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe (6)
    wow.. the onion rings look amazing and enticing.

    Reply

  6. Christina Thomas

    Wow! I love Caprese Salads and I love Onion Rings – NEVER would I have thought about putting the two together. I have to try this! I like how you can bake the Alexia onion rings instead of fry them. Cheers for the inspiration!

    Reply

    • Katie

      Alexia makes really good bakeable snacks. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Onion Ring Caprese Salad Stacks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for mozzarella in Caprese salad? ›

For tasty option to use in place of fresh mozzarella, you could always use burrata. They have similar flavors but burrata has a deliciously creamy center. Which tomatoes are best for Caprese salad? As long as it's good and ripe, you can use just about any type of fresh tomato to make Caprese salad.

What is a fun fact about the Caprese salad? ›

The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

What to eat with Caprese salad? ›

How to serve Caprese Salad
  • Summer Italian BBQ: Grill this Italian Marinated Chicken, serve with Caprese Salad and crusty bread.
  • Quick Fish Dinner: Crispy Pan Fried Fish with this Caprese Salad and a side of Lemon Potato Salad.
  • Prawns! ( ...
  • Chicken Dinner: Homemade Lemon Pepper Chicken with this Caprese Salad.
  • Steak!
Jan 14, 2019

Who made Caprese salad? ›

The first origin story for Caprese salad dates back to post-World War I Italy. A patriotic mason wanted to make a dish that was a true tribute to Italy and that visually incorporated the tricolor into the presentation. The first printed mention of the Caprese salad was on a menu at the Hotel Quisisana.

Can I use sliced mozzarella instead of shredded? ›

Consensus is strong that sliced mozzarella provides the most effective surface when applying sauce on top of cheese. Diced mozzarella is a good solution for delivery pizza and lends itself well to application by portion control cup. Shredded gives the best cheese pull and is easy to handle.

What can I use if I don't have mozzarella? ›

The Best Mozzarella Cheese Substitutes – Dairy
  • Gruyère Cheese. ...
  • Cheddar. ...
  • Swiss Cheese. ...
  • Ricotta Cheese. ...
  • Emmental Cheese. ...
  • Comté Cheese. ...
  • Provolone Cheese. ...
  • Fontina Cheese.

What does caprese mean in Italian? ›

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

Is Caprese salad healthy? ›

All things considered, YES a Caprese salad is a healthy option! Low in calories with a bunch of important nutrients coming from the vegetables and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil. Basil also is a strong anti-inflammatory with enzyme-inhibiting oils.

Do Italians eat caprese? ›

Regardless of its true origins, Caprese salad has become a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.

Which tomatoes are good for caprese? ›

When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with wrinkled skins. You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sungold.

How long does Caprese salad last in the fridge? ›

To Make Ahead: This easy Caprese salad is definitely best served fresh but it can stay in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you need to make it ahead of time, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and store them separately in the refrigerator.

What is in Publix Caprese salad? ›

Ingredients May Vary By Season), Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (pasteurized Milk, Vinegar, Enzymes, Salt), Balsamic Dressing (soybean Oil And/or Canola Oil, Balsamic Vinegar [wine Vinegar, Concentrated Grape Must, Caramel Color], Sugar, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Spices, Xanthan Gum), Tomatoes.

What ethnicity is caprese? ›

We may think of caprese as a dish that represents Italy as a whole, it's widely believed to have been invented in Capri, where it's especially popular and got its name from.

What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese? ›

CILIEGINE. These mozzarella balls are about the size of a cherry. Bocconcini and ciliegine can be used interchangeably — try either thread on skewers with cherry tomatoes for a twist on Caprese.

What is the cheese that is like mozzarella but softer? ›

While mozzarella has a more delicate taste and a more elastic texture, burrata is softer and more flavorful – but also, due to the cream, higher in calories.

What Mexican cheese is the same as mozzarella? ›

Oaxaca cheese: the mozzarella of Mexico

We think you'll melt for Oaxaca, because Oaxaca will definitely melt for you. This semi-soft, super meltable Mexican cheese is a lot like mozzarella cheese – the curds are stretched and kneaded into long ribbons that are gently wound into a ball or knot.

What is a low fat alternative to mozzarella? ›

Best Low Saturated Fat Cheeses
Fat and Cholesterol Content in Various Cheeses (per standard serving)
Cottage cheese, fat-free0.010.2
Cottage cheese, 1% milkfat0.74.5
Cottage cheese, 2% milkfat1.413.6
Mozzarella cheese, fat-free0.05.1
10 more rows
Jan 6, 2024

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