Learn how to make Ladybug Caprese Salad as a cute appetizer for your next party or picnic. This easy-to-follow recipe features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and sliced black olives arranged to look like ladybugs. Impress your guests with this easy appetizer that is sure to be a hit!
Ladybug Caprese Salad is a fun and festive twist on the classic Caprese Salad.
Our adorable ladybug bites are the perfect appetizer for a summer party or picnic.
The adorable ladybug “spots” are made from sliced black olives, while fresh basil leaves create the wings.
Caprese ladybugs appetizers are not only visually appealing but also delicious, with the combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences.
These Ladybug appetizers are a surefire hit and will impress guests of all ages.
How to Make Ladybug Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- bocconcini or mozzarella sliced
- sea salt
- fresh basil
- 8 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 pitted black olives, cut in quarters
- balsamic glaze
Step by Step Instructions
Place a slice of mozzarella on a serving tray and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt.
Top the mozzarella slices with a sweet basil leaf.
Cut the tomato in half from top to bottom. Then make a small slit in each half to create the ladybug’s wings.
Place the cherry tomato half on the basil.
Place the olive piece on the lady bug’s body too create a head.
Use a decorating tip or toothpick to place dots of a little balsamic glaze onto the backs of the ladybugs.
Tips For Caprese Salad Ladybugs
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm and plump, with a bright red color.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the fresh mozzarella cheese balls in a mixture of olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs before assembling the ladybugs.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the black olives for the ladybug’s head. A dull knife can cause the olive to squish and may make it harder to create a clean, round shape.
- Don’t forget to have fun with the presentation! Arrange the ladybugs on a platter with fresh basil leaves and other colorful vegetables for a beautiful and festive appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
- These Ladybugs are best served at room temperature.
What to Serve with Caprese Salad?
Ladybug Caprese Salad is a light and refreshing salad that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Ladybug Caprese Salad:
- Ladybug Caprese Salad makes a great side dish to grilled chicken or fish. The light, fresh flavors of the salad complement the richness of the meat or fish.
- Serve some ritz crackers, garlic bread or crostini on the side to mop up any remaining dressing or tomato juice. This also adds some extra crunch and texture to the meal.
- A light soup, such as tomato soup or minestrone provides a warm and comforting contrast to the cold salad.
- Serve the salad as a side dish to a pasta dish. It pairs well with any light and fresh pasta dishes.
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or asparagus, make a great side dish to Caprese Salad.
- Serve with a light and refreshing white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
See Also: Party Appetizers | Party Dip Recipes | Pesto Recipe | Bruschetta Pasta Recipe
What is the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a thick, syrupy sauce made from balsamic vinegar that has been reduced and sweetened with sugar. Balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is a vinegar made from grapes, which is the juice of freshly crushed grapes that includes the skins, seeds, and stems.
Balsamic vinegar is too liquidy to use for this recipe.
When making Ladybug Caprese Salad, it’s best to use small and round cherry or grape tomatoes that are similar in size. This helps to create the ladybug “body” for the salad. You can use red or yellow cherry tomatoes, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
It’s important to choose ripe and firm tomatoes that have a bright and vibrant color. Tomatoes that are too ripe or mushy may not hold their shape well in the salad.
Ladybug Caprese Salad can be made ahead of time, but it is best served fresh. If you need to make the salad ahead of time, you can prepare the individual components, store in an airtight container and assemble them just before serving.
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How to Make Ladybug Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- bocconcini or mozzarella sliced
- sea salt
- fresh basil
- 8 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 pitted black olives, cut in quarters
- balsamic glaze
Instructions
Place a slice of mozzarella on a serving tray and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt.
Top the mozzarella slices with a sweet basil leaf. Cut the tomato in half from top to bottom.
Then make a small slit in each half to create the ladybug’s wings.
Place the cherry tomato half on the basil.
Place the olive piece on the lady bug's body too create a head.
Use a decorating tip or toothpick to place dots of a little balsamic glaze onto the backs of the ladybugs.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm and plump, with a bright red color.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the fresh mozzarella cheese balls in a mixture of olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs before assembling the ladybugs.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the black olives for the ladybug's head. A dull knife can cause the olive to squish and may make it harder to create a clean, round shape.
- Don't forget to have fun with the presentation! Arrange the ladybugs on a platter with fresh basil leaves and other colorful vegetables for a beautiful and festive appetizer that's sure to impress your guests.
- These Ladybugs are best served at room temperature.
What type of tomatoes should I use in a Ladybug Caprese Salad?
When making Ladybug Caprese Salad, it's best to use small and round cherry or grape tomatoes that are similar in size. This helps to create the ladybug "body" for the salad. You can use red or yellow cherry tomatoes, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
It's important to choose ripe and firm tomatoes that have a bright and vibrant color. Tomatoes that are too ripe or mushy may not hold their shape well in the salad.
Can I make these caprese salad bites ahead of time, or is it best served fresh?
Ladybug Caprese Salad can be made ahead of time, but it is best served fresh. If you need to make the salad ahead of time, you can prepare the individual components, store in an airtight container and assemble them just before serving.