Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad. Beautifully marinated in a zesty blend of premium olive oil and rich balsamic vinegar, this salad is elevated with the aromatic notes of fresh garlic and onions, and an abundance of fragrant basil. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a harmonious medley that tantalizes your taste buds. Allowing the salad to marinate enhances the flavors, making it a delectable dish that can be prepared ahead of time. Enjoy it on its own or over a bed of pasta for a satisfying meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
grape or cherry tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped basil until well combined.
2
Add the cubed mozzarella cheese and halved grape or cherry tomatoes into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
3
Stir in the chopped onion for an extra layer of flavor.
4
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it marinate for 2-4 hours.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Enjoy it on its own or over cooked pasta for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad?
It is a refreshing summer salad featuring heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella marinated in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette with garlic, onion, and fresh basil.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
While the recipe title mentions heirloom tomatoes, the ingredient list specifically calls for one pint of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The fresh mozzarella cheese should be cut into small cubes, approximately 1 1/2 cups in total.
What are the ingredients for the balsamic vinaigrette?
The dressing is made by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil.
How long should I marinate the salad?
You should refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
Can I serve this salad with pasta?
Yes, this salad is excellent when served over a bed of cooked pasta for a more satisfying meal.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil for the dressing.
Should the garlic be cooked?
No, the garlic should be minced and whisked raw into the vinaigrette to provide a pungent, fresh flavor.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its aromatic notes, but you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though the flavor profile will change.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic, minced.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped onion to add an extra layer of flavor.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and fresh herbs, it is tagged as a healthy dish.
When is the best time to serve this salad?
It is a perfect summer dish when tomatoes and basil are at their peak freshness.
Do I need to toss the salad before serving?
Yes, give the salad a gentle toss before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed after marinating.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The grape or cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, preparing it ahead of time allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to meld together.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is the balsamic vinegar amount equal to the olive oil?
Yes, the recipe uses an equal ratio of 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
Can I use this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer and works well as a starter for a summer meal.
What is the texture of the cheese in this salad?
The cheese should be fresh mozzarella, which provides a soft and creamy texture that absorbs the dressing.
Should I use freshly ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests using freshly ground black pepper to taste for the best flavor.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe does not list added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the core recipe focus is tomatoes and onions, you could certainly customize it with cucumbers or peppers if desired.
Is the onion stirred in at the same time as the cheese?
The instructions suggest stirring in the chopped onion after tossing the tomatoes and cheese with the dressing.
Should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the salad while it refrigerates to allow the flavors to meld.
What equipment do I need to make the dressing?
You only need a medium-sized bowl and a whisk to combine the dressing ingredients.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the standard ingredients used in this recipe (vegetables, cheese, oil, vinegar) are naturally gluten-free.