Olive Caprese Salad

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Cook: 5 min. + marinating

Makes

10 servings

Updated: May. 23, 2023
When heirloom tomatoes arrive, feature them with red onions, green olives and a surprising twist-star anise. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Olive Caprese Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 medium)
  • 2 pounds medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup pitted green olives, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced and halved
  • 1 tablespoon each minced fresh basil, tarragon, mint and cilantro
  • 1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup vinegar, sugar and star anise. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly; stir in onion. Let stand for 30 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, cheese, herbs and serrano pepper. Remove star anise from onion mixture; drain onion, reserving 2 tablespoons marinade. (Discard remaining marinade or save for other use.) Add onion to tomato mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lime juice and zest and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar; pour over tomato mixture. Drizzle with reserved marinade; toss gently to coat. Season with salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 172 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.