Tomato, basil and bocconcini wreath

Looking for a festive addition to your summer recipe repertoire? This tomato, basil and bocconcini wreath delivers on flavour, presentation and ease.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal assembly, this share plate comes together in next to no time – ideal for those back-to-back busy days when you still want something that looks special.

Even better, it’s packed with eye-loving nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, lycopene and other antioxidants.

This recipe has been reproduced from the Macular Disease Foundation’s Macula Menu Cookbook, with kind permission.

Ingredients

500g cherry tomatoes

2 bunches of basil leaves, plus extra for garnishing

2–3 × 210g tubs cherry bocconcini, well drained

60g basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

Step 1. Arrange a garland of basil leaves around the edge of a large platter to form a wreath shape.

Step 2. Decoratively place the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini on top of the basil leaves – there’s no wrong way to assemble it.

Optional serving idea:

If you have a little more time, turn the wreath into easy grab-and-go skewers. Thread one cherry tomato onto a toothpick, fold a basil leaf in half and add it to the skewer, then finish with a bocconcini ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used, and arrange the skewers in a wreath shape on the platter.

Step 3. Garnish with any leftover basil leaves. Just before serving, drizzle with basil pesto. Alternatively, place a small bowl of pesto in the centre of the wreath with a spoon, allowing guests to dip or drizzle as they like.

A healthy diet helps your eyes. Read more about eating for good eye health.