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A fully assembled Sesame Mozzarella Balls Wreath on a scalloped platter, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, sesame-coated mozzarella balls, arugula, and Parmesan.

Sesame Mozzarella Balls Wreath

A crisp, elegant Caprese-inspired holiday wreath featuring creamy mozzarella rolled in sesame seeds, jammy slow-roasted tomatoes, fresh arugula, basil, and a snowy Parmesan finish. Stunning for Christmas, easy enough for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sesame Mozzarella Snowballs
  • 1 cup ciliegine mozzarella balls about 9–10 balls
  • 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp nigella seeds or black sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp olive oil
Roasted Tomatoes
  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 rosemary sprig optional
Wreath Base
  • 3-4 cups arugula and spinach mix
  • A few small basil leaves or tear larger ones
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
Dressing
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp pesto
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Slow-roast the tomatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 380°F (195°C).
  2. Add cherry tomatoes to a baking dish.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt, red pepper flakes, and rosemary if using.
  4. Roast 35–40 minutes, until softened, glossy, and slightly caramelized.
  5. Let cool completely before assembling the wreath.
Make the Sesame Mozzarella Balls
  1. Pat mozzarella balls very dry using paper towels.
  2. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, just enough to lightly coat.
  3. Mix white and black sesame (or nigella) seeds in a shallow bowl.
  4. Roll each mozzarella ball in the seeds until fully coated.
  5. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Build the wreath base
  1. Arrange arugula and spinach in a full circular wreath shape on a large round platter.
  2. Scatter fresh basil leaves throughout the greens.
Prepare the dressing
  1. Whisk together olive oil, pesto, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Assemble the wreath
  1. Place roasted tomatoes in small clusters around the greens.
  2. Arrange sesame mozzarella balls evenly around the wreath.
  3. Drizzle lightly with the lemon-pesto dressing.
  4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the entire wreath like “snow.”

Notes

  • Be sure the tomatoes are fully cooled before assembling to prevent wilting the greens.
  • Drying the mozzarella thoroughly is essential — sesame sticks best to a dry surface.
  • Assemble just before serving for the freshest look.
  • You can prepare tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and dressing the day before; store separately.

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