Save A festive and colorful appetizer featuring olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, arranged in a beautiful wreath shape perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became my favorite go-to appetizer for parties because it looks stunning and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint (300 g) red and yellow if available
- Green olives: 1 cup (150 g) pitted
- Black olives: 1 cup (150 g) pitted
- Mini mozzarella balls: 1/2 cup (75 g) bocconcini
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup (10 g)
- Fresh parsley sprigs: 1/2 cup (10 g)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: 1/4 cup (5 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Balsamic glaze (optional): 1 tbsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Flaky sea salt: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and rosemary.
- Step 2:
- On a large round serving platter arrange the rosemary and parsley in a circular wreath shape as the base.
- Step 3:
- Alternately layer cherry tomatoes, green olives, black olives, and mozzarella balls around the herb base creating a full ring.
- Step 4:
- Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout the wreath for color and aroma.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the entire wreath and if using a few lines of balsamic glaze.
- Step 6:
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Save This recipe always brings my family together and sparks great conversations at holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with toasted baguette slices or breadsticks and pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect combination.
Storage
Refrigerate assembled wreath for up to one hour before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from the mozzarella. Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts check labels if needed. Gluten-free as written serve with gluten-free bread if desired.
Save 
This appetizer is a beautiful and delicious way to welcome guests with minimal prep and maximum impact.
Recipe Q&A
- → What olives work best for the wreath?
Pitted green and black olives provide contrasting colors and a balanced briny flavor that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella perfectly.
- → Can I prepare the wreath ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to an hour before serving and keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
- → How can I enhance the flavors of the mozzarella balls?
Marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs before assembling for extra depth and richness.
- → What is the best way to arrange the wreath?
Layer fresh rosemary and parsley in a circle as a base, then alternate cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella balls on top for a full, colorful ring.
- → What dressing complements this arrangement?
A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and optional balsamic glaze adds brightness and subtle sweetness without overpowering the ingredients.
- → Are there good pairing suggestions for this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc and toasted baguette slices or breadsticks for added texture.