Cherry Tomato Basil Ring

Featured in: Poppy-Inspired Easy Home Plates

This vibrant cherry tomato and basil wreath showcases fresh, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil layered with creamy mozzarella. Arranged beautifully in a circular pattern, it is drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, and optionally topped with toasted pine nuts for added texture. With a quick 15-minute prep and no cooking required, it’s ideal for festive occasions or casual gatherings seeking fresh and colorful flavors.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:37:00 GMT
Bright, colorful Appetizer Wreath: Cherry Tomato and Basil Ring, a fresh, festive summer starter. Save to Pinterest
Bright, colorful Appetizer Wreath: Cherry Tomato and Basil Ring, a fresh, festive summer starter. | poppyskillet.com

A festive and vibrant appetizer featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, arranged in a beautiful wreath perfect for sharing at gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our holiday parties because of its beautiful presentation and fresh flavors

Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes: 400 g (about 2 ½ cups), assorted colors if possible
  • Fresh basil leaves: 1 large bunch
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): 250 g (9 oz)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Balsamic glaze: 1 tsp
  • Sea salt: to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Pine nuts, toasted (optional): 1 tbsp
  • Flaky sea salt (optional):

Instructions

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Step 1:
Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Step 2:
Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls.
Step 3:
On a large round serving platter, arrange the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls alternately in a circular wreath shape, leaving space in the center.
Step 4:
Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomatoes and mozzarella to create a lush, green appearance.
Step 5:
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the wreath.
Step 6:
Lightly season with sea salt and black pepper.
Step 7:
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and color.
Step 8:
If desired, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 9:
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| poppyskillet.com

Our family always enjoys this colorful appetizer together at celebrations and holiday dinners

Notes

For extra flavor add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling water

Required Tools

Large serving platter Paper towels Small bowl (for toasting pine nuts optional)

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mozzarella optional pine nuts) Pine nuts may trigger nut allergies omit if necessary Always check cheese labels for possible additives or allergens

Fresh, vibrant Appetizer Wreath: Cherry Tomato and Basil Ring, ready to enjoy with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Save to Pinterest
Fresh, vibrant Appetizer Wreath: Cherry Tomato and Basil Ring, ready to enjoy with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. | poppyskillet.com
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This appetizer is best served fresh and can be prepared quickly allowing you more time with your guests

Questions & Answers

How should cherry tomatoes be prepared?

Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes before arranging to ensure they remain fresh and vibrant in the presentation.

Can I substitute mozzarella?

Yes, vegan mozzarella can be used for a dairy-free alternative without compromising the creamy texture.

What is the best way to arrange the wreath?

Alternate cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in a circular pattern, placing fresh basil leaves between them for a lush, green look.

How to enhance the flavor?

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the wreath, and season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Are pine nuts necessary?

Pine nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch; if allergic, they can be omitted safely.

Can this be prepared in advance?

Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness.

Cherry Tomato Basil Ring

A colorful ring of cherry tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella with a balsamic drizzle.

Prep Time
15 min
0
Overall Time
15 min
Recipe By Evan Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Free from Gluten, Reduced Carb

What You'll Need

Vegetables & Herbs

01 2 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, assorted colors
02 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves

Dairy

01 9 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

Pantry

01 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
03 Sea salt, to taste
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted
02 Flaky sea salt

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare produce: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

Step 02

Dry mozzarella: Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls.

Step 03

Arrange wreath: On a large round serving platter, alternate cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in a circular formation, leaving an open center.

Step 04

Add basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves between tomatoes and mozzarella to create a lush green appearance.

Step 05

Season and dress: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the wreath, then lightly season with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 06

Add balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the wreath for sweetness and color contrast.

Step 07

Garnish: Optionally sprinkle toasted pine nuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the wreath.

Step 08

Serve or chill: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Gear Needed

  • Large serving platter
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl (for toasting pine nuts, optional)

Allergy Notice

Please review all components for potential allergens and always reach out to a health expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella.
  • Pine nuts may trigger nut allergies; omit if necessary.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

Nutritional info is meant to inform; not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Energy: 140
  • Lipid Content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 9 g