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.

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 salad to many others.  Today, I’m going to show you how to put together a quick and delicious caprese salad using crispy 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!

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.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 522 kcal

Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

• 14 ounces frozen onion rings
• 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella buffalo style
• 1 ounce of fresh basil
• 3 ripe flavorful tomatoes
• 3/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil to 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 522 Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 27g 42%

Saturated Fat 8g 40%

Cholesterol 20mg 7%

Sodium 538mg 22%

Potassium 817mg 23%

Total Carbohydrates 58g 19%

Dietary Fiber 6g 24%

Sugars 17g

Protein 14g 28%

Vitamin A 8.6%

Vitamin C 18.5%

Calcium 24.1%

Iron 11.7%

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