Name: Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 oz baby arugula (or your favorite salad greens); 1 cup grape tomatoes; 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or balls; Handful of fresh basil leaves; Balsamic vinaigrette (or balsamic glaze, for drizzling); Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There’s something truly magical about layering fresh, vibrant ingredients into a festive shape—and this Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe nails that feeling perfectly. It’s light, colorful, and so simple, yet it instantly becomes the centerpiece of any table.

A round wooden board with a handle tied with a red cloth ribbon holds a wreath-shaped salad. The salad wreath has two layers: a base of mixed green leafy vegetables including arugula and basil, and a top layer with bright red cherry tomatoes and small white mozzarella balls scattered evenly around. Some balsamic glaze drizzles add dark spots on the greens and cheese. Around the board are a small white bowl of mozzarella balls, grilled bread slices, a jar of dark balsamic vinegar with a spoon inside, and a striped beige cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how effortlessly this Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe brings holiday cheer to the table without hours in the kitchen. Whenever I make it, friends are instantly drawn in by both the beauty and flavors—it’s like a breath of fresh, summery air amidst winter gatherings.

Super simple ingredients: Just five fresh items combine for an incredibly fresh and tasty salad.
Visual wow factor: The wreath shape adds a festive touch that’s great for parties or family dinners.
Healthy and light: It’s a guilt-free dish that still feels indulgent thanks to creamy mozzarella and bright balsamic.
Quick to make: You’ll have this ready in about 10 minutes—perfect for last-minute entertaining.

The dish shows a wreath-shaped salad arranged on a round wooden board with a handle tied with a red cloth ribbon. The salad has two main layers: a base layer of green arugula and basil leaves that form a thick, leafy ring, and a top layer of bright red cherry tomatoes and small white mozzarella balls evenly placed around the wreath. There are also thin lines of dark balsamic glaze drizzled over the salad, adding glossy spots on the tomatoes and mozzarella. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe plays a starring role. When I shop for this salad, I always pick the freshest, juiciest tomatoes and the creamiest mozzarella pearls, because that makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh baby arugula leaves arranged loosely, a small heap of shiny red grape tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh mozzarella pearls, a handful of vibrant green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark balsamic vinaigrette, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper placed symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Baby arugula: Its peppery bite adds depth and balances the mild mozzarella and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
Grape tomatoes: Their sweetness and firm texture hold up well, giving bursts of flavor throughout.
Fresh mozzarella pearls or balls: I love using pearls because they’re easy to scatter and look delicate on the wreath.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil brings that unmistakable aroma and freshness, tying all the flavors together.
Balsamic vinaigrette or glaze: A tangy drizzle add sweetness and acidity to brighten everything—glaze is great for a more dramatic look.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about the Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe is how flexible it is. Depending on the season or what’s in your pantry, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Add a twist with fruit: Last summer, I tossed in some sliced peaches or strawberries for a juicy surprise that made the salad even more festive.
Substitute greens: Mixed baby greens or spinach can work if you want a milder backdrop instead of arugula’s pepperiness.
Go vegan: Swap mozzarella pearls for vegan cheese or marinated tofu cubes for a dairy-free alternative.
Spice it up: A pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy honey adds a playful bite that I sometimes enjoy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Build a green foundation

Start by laying down a lush ring of baby arugula on a large round platter or wooden board. I like to leave a nice open circle in the center—it creates that classic wreath look that really grabs attention. Don’t worry about making it perfect; natural unevenness adds charm.

Step 2: Add colorful accents

Scatter the grape tomatoes evenly over the arugula, then dot the surface with mozzarella pearls. Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout to add those signature green pops. When I do this, I try to layer so every bite will have a little bit of everything.

Step 3: Dress and season

Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic glaze liberally over the wreath. I love the glaze for its glossy look and sweet, tangy kick. Finish with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all the fresh flavors. That’s it—ready to serve!

Top Tip

I’ve made this salad dozens of times, and these small tweaks truly elevate it and make sure it’s a hit every time.

Choose ripe, firm tomatoes: Too soft and they’ll get mushy on the salad, too firm and they lack flavor—grape tomatoes hit the sweet spot.
Use fresh mozzarella pearls: They’re easier to distribute evenly and look so elegant on the wreath.
Don’t overdress: Adding too much vinaigrette can wilt the greens—start with less and add more as needed right before serving.
Build the wreath gently: Lightly handle your basil leaves so they don’t bruise or turn brown, keeping everything inviting and fresh.

How to Serve Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe

Caprese Salad Wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually like to add a few extra basil leaves around the edge and a light sprinkle of microgreens if I have them. Sometimes, I’ll toss a few toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch—trust me, it's delicious.

Side Dishes

This wreath salad pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or a side of garlic-rosemary roasted potatoes. For a heartier meal, I serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers or a simple pasta dish, letting the salad’s brightness balance the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve placed individual Caprese Salad Wreaths on petite plates, letting each guest have their own little festive salad. Another fun idea: arrange mini skewers of tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a wreath shape for easy finger food that looks stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), cover the wreath lightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. I find the mozzarella tastes best the same day, but the salad greens can last a day or two if kept cold and dry.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well since fresh greens and mozzarella lose their texture, so I recommend enjoying it fresh when you make it.

Reheating

Caprese Salad Wreath is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. Just bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of green instead of arugula?

Absolutely! While arugula adds a nice peppery bite, you can swap in baby spinach, mixed salad greens, or even kale for a milder or different texture.

Should I use balsamic glaze or vinaigrette?

Both work wonderfully depending on your preference. Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter, making for a pretty drizzle and richer flavor, while a vinaigrette is lighter and easier to coat the salad evenly.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead but it’s best to assemble the wreath shortly before serving to keep the greens fresh and prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much juice.

Is this recipe suitable for entertaining large groups?

Definitely! You can easily scale up by using bigger platters or creating multiple wreaths on smaller boards or plates when serving a larger crowd. It’s visually appealing and makes serving easy.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Salad Wreath Recipe is one of those simple joys that proves beautiful things can also be quick and easy. Every time I bring this to the table, it sparks compliments and happy conversations—which is really the heart of any great recipe, isn’t it? Give it a try for your next gathering—I bet it’ll become a favorite for you and your friends too.