Get ready to transform ordinary tomatoes into a stunning culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This Tomato and Cheese Molded Salad is not just a dish; it's an experience that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with the rich, creamy texture of mozzarella and feta cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or when you want to impress your family with a restaurant-quality appetizer that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully wash the tomatoes and cut off the tops, creating hollow tomato shells. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the inner flesh and seeds, creating a clean cavity for the filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine diced mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped fresh basil. Gently mix the cheeses to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cheese mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir carefully to coat all ingredients and enhance the flavor profile.
- Drain any excess liquid from the hollowed tomatoes to prevent the filling from becoming watery. Pat the tomato shells dry with paper towels.
- Carefully spoon the cheese and basil mixture into each tomato shell, pressing gently to ensure the filling is compact and evenly distributed.
- Arrange the filled tomatoes on a serving platter, ensuring they sit upright and stable.
- Chill the tomatoes in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slightly firm up the filling.
- Before serving, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Choose Ripe, Firm Tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are firm but ripe, with smooth skin. This ensures they can hold the cheese filling without falling apart.
- Drain Thoroughly: After hollowing out the tomatoes, let them sit upside down on a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy filling.
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Use cheese that's slightly chilled for easier dicing and better texture in the filling.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. They help bring out the flavors of the cheese and basil.
- Chill Before Serving: The 15-20 minute refrigeration isn't just for looks - it helps the flavors meld and sets the filling.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the presentation dramatically.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these up to 2-3 hours in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 153kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
