Salad Simplicity
Sometimes, simplicity is the key to perfection when it comes to salads. One such salad that embodies this philosophy is this fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish combines fresh mozzarella cheese’s creaminess and cherry tomatoes’ juiciness, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying flavor combination. Tossed with a light and flavorful dressing and garnished with fresh basil leaves, this caprese salad recipe is one of my favorites that can be prepared in no time at all.
Key Ingredients
To create the perfect fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients that are easy to find and work harmoniously together. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ripe Cherry Tomatoes
Start with ripe cherry tomatoes for the base of your salad. You can choose a mix of red and gold cherry tomatoes to add vibrant color to your dish.
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
Fresh mozzarella cheese is the star ingredient for the creamy element of the salad. You can use little round mozzarella pearls or chop fresh mozzarella into roughly the same size as the sliced cherry tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Leaves
To enhance the flavors of the salad, fresh basil leaves are a must. Slice them into long strips and add them generously to the salad for an aromatic freshness. You can also use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil. It doesn't have that fresh flavor, but it still makes for a good dish. If using dried basil, two-and-a-half tablespoons should be about the right amount.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
It's time to break out your good extra virgin olive oil. A good olive oil is a must-have in your kitchen. Invest in some high-quality oil, and your taste buds will thank you.
White Balsamic Vinegar
You'll need a simple and delicious balsamic vinegar to tie everything together. While white balsamic vinegar is what I used for this salad, regular balsamic vinegar also works but doesn't look as good, given its dark color.
Honey (Optional)
For some extra sweetness, you can add some honey. You can substitute the honey for a keto-friendly version if you are watching your carbs or omit it entirely. This salad still tastes great without adding the honey.
Three Easy Steps
Now that you have all the key ingredients ready let’s walk through the easy steps to create this delightful salad:
1 - Prep all your ingredients
Start by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half, roughly the same size as the mozzarella balls. Slice the fresh basil leaves into long strips. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients, ensuring they are well combined.
2 - Combine the ingredients
Add the fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to a large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated with the dressing.
3 - Serve and enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, and you can even garnish it with a few extra basil leaves for extra flair. Your fresh mozzarella and tomato salad is now ready to be enjoyed! I don’t recommend making this salad too far ahead of time. It’s quick to make, but the quality of the salad quickly degrades in the refrigerator. Luckily, though, it only takes about ten minutes to make.
Video
Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
A refreshing and easy-to-make caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
- 2 cups Ripe Cherry Tomatoes
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
- 15 Fresh Basil Leaves
- Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- 2 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbs White Balsamic Vinegar
- ½ tbs Honey (Optional)
- Slice 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes in half and place in a bowl.
- Add 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese to the bowl.
- Thinly slice 15 leaves Basil Leaves and place into the bowl
- Add Salt and Pepper to the bowl (To Taste).
- Add 2 tbs Olive Oil and 1 tbs Balsamic Vinegar to the bowl.
- Add ½ tbs Honey to the bowl (Optional)
- Gently Mix All Ingredients Together
You can substitute the honey for a keto-friendly version if you are watching your carbs or omit it entirely. This salad still tastes great without adding the honey.
- 256calories
- 19gfat
- 8gcarbs
- 6gsugar
- 1gfiber
- 14gprotein
Nutrition information is calculated using a third party ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Be sure to validate values using the labels on your ingredients or other trusted sources.
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