Tomato And Mozzarella Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

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Balsamic Vinegar Or Balsamic Glaze

Easy Caprese Salad Recipe with Balsamic Glaze

Added to the traditional four ingredients for Caprese salad is balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a dark, slightly sweet vinegar that is used in many sauces, dressings, and marinades. It adds acidity to the Caprese salad which helps to round out the flavors. Just a few drops are all that is needed if you use balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic Glaze

I love to reduce balsamic vinegar down to make a homemade balsamic glaze to use on a variety of dishes, including this Caprese salad. It only takes minutes to make and is so delicious, but you can use a favorite store-bought balsamic glaze if you wish. It adds a bit of sweet and tangy flavor to each bite of Caprese salad and enhances the presentation, as well as the deliciousness, of the dish.

How To Make A Tomato Mozzarella Avocado Salad

All you need is 15 minutes to prepare this quick avocado tomato mozzarella salad. Perfect as a last minute side dish for potlucks, picnics, or cookouts!

Prepare the tomatoes: If you are using small cherry tomatoes, simply chop them in half or quarters. For larger tomatoes, chop them into even sized smaller cubes.

Make sure to use a sharp knife, so you dont squash the tomatoes too much. Then transfer the tomato to a large serving bowl.

Prepare the mozzarella: Drain the liquid from the bocconcini and then slice each ball in half and transfer to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Some people believe that tearing the mozzarella rather than chopping it will yield a better texture. Feel free to experiment.

Chop the avocado, garlic and basil: This is best done last to prevent them from turning brown quickly. Yes, basil oxidizes and darkens too, like avocado does.

I diced the avocado and then just roughly chopped the larger fresh basil leaves. You could alternatively ribbon them. Then add it to the salad bowl.

Check out how to cut an avocado for tips on best ways to cut your avocado with ease.

Add the dressing: Finally, add the olive oil, balsamic, and salt and pepper and toss gently to thoroughly combine. Serve immediately!

Why You Should Make This Recipe:

How often do you find a side dish thats both delectable and a breeze to make? Its no wonder why this fresh and tart cucumber tomato and mozzarella salad will be your new go-to side:

  • Cucumber mozzarella salad has tons of flavor. Sharp yet creamy, rich yet simple, and bursting with herbaceous flavor, this salad is an easy fan favorite.
  • This recipe is so quick and easy that it comes together in three steps and less than ten minutes!Perfect as a breakfast salad, light lunch or a side dish with main dishes.
  • This salad is easy to adapt to fit your own tastes, so you can be sure that every bite is as herby, tangy, or juicy as you want it. You can make it with or without basil or change it up with whatever fresh herb you have on hand. Fresh parsley, mint, or even dill would work.

Read Also: How To Make A Good Pasta Salad

Mozzarella Pearls Or Mozzarella Slices

My favorite part of Caprese Salad is the mozzarella cheese.

Thankfully now that just about every grocery store has a specialty cheese section, there are so many different types of fresh mozzarella to add. While the original recipe used cows milk fresh mozzarella, buffalo-milk mozzarella has become the modern favorite.

When Im looking to get this appetizer on the table even faster, I use balls, otherwise known as pearls, of mozzarella no slicing necessary.

However, if youre looking to add a boost of flavor to your salad, try smoked mozzarella not only is the color lovely, but the additional flavor from the cheese also adds something new and tasty to a simple salad.

The slightly smoky flavor plays well with balsamic vinegar and basil.

Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad With Balsamic

G. Garvin

I love recipes that have few ingredients but turn out so amazingly delicious. Simple recipes always seem to be the best ones for me. This salad was on the table within five minutes and we all loved it. I loved the combination of flavors and textures the crisp cucumbers with the juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with the tart and sweet balsamic vinegar. I served this salad with the Lemon Chicken Thighs and the Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Herbs, Parmesan, and Lemon. This salad will be a regular on our table because its healthy, easy, and we all loved it.

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Does Balsamic Belong In Caprese

Just kidding! We did a bit of research and found that the purists on Caprese Salad all say to skip the balsamic, that it is not a required core element of a Caprese Salad. In fact, as is my own opinion, the balsamic reduction is so sweet that it dims the sweetness of the tomatoes. To taste their sugar, you dont want any other sweet flavor on the plate.

Now, if you want to ignore me and my argument about sweet-tomato-love, thats fine. Theres nothing stopping you from making our recipe below and then drizzling with burgundy syrup. But Id ask you to please try the salad as it is, without the syrup, first. Taste those sugary tomatoes with the creamy cheese and fresh basil. See how the flavors are so simple and go together so well. Then come to the obvious conclusion thathmmChristine is right, as always. Its sweet enough as it is.

  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. coarse flaky sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. coarse black pepper
  • 8 fresh basil leaves

Caprese Salad With Balsamic And Olive Oil

This easy but oh-so-tasty caprese salad consists of refreshing sliced tomatoes, large rounds of mozzarella, fresh basil, and a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. Everyone knows it commonly makes an appearance on the table at Italian restaurants, but it’s also a wonderful dish to enjoy at home any time!

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Ingredients For Caprese Salad Recipe

This Caprese salad recipe is made with fresh and simple ingredients to produce maximum flavor.

  • Small Tomatoes. We used grape tomatoes in this recipe and sliced them in half. Also, we elevated this Caprese salad by roasting the tomatoes in the oven.
  • Fresh Mozzarella Balls. We used fresh and creamy mozzarella in this recipe and added it to the bowl with the remaining seasoning.
  • Olive Oil. Olive oil is part of the seasoning for this recipe. Also, feel free to use regular extra virgin olive oil or even try a flavored olive oil. We have enjoyed this recipe with basil infused olive oil!
  • Cracked Pepper, Salt, and Crushed Garlic. These ingredients are used to season the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  • Fresh Basil. We chopped the fresh basil in this recipe to disperse it evenly in the salad.
  • Aged Balsamic Vinegar. Drizzling it on top of the Caprese salad brings this dish to another level!

Caprese Salad With Balsamic Glaze

Mozzarella, Spinach, Tomatoes & Balsamic Vinegar Salad : Tomato Salads

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In this jazzed up Caprese salad, a balsamic glaze adds a pop of tangy-sweet flavor to every bite.

I love Caprese salads but sometimes they can be a little bland. The classic recipe calls for just a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkling of salt and pepper to flavor the salad, so as not to mask the delicate flavor of the mozzarella, but I like to add just a bit more oomph. I start by sprinkling the tomatoes with a pinch of sugar, which brings out their natural sweetness. Then, I drizzle a dark and syrupy balsamic glaze over top, which not only looks gorgeous but also adds a pop of tangy-sweet flavor to every bite.

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Make Ahead & Storage:

You may meal prep for main dishes, but did you know you can meal prep side dishes, too? This cucumber salad with tomatoes and mozzarella can be made ahead for a stress-free side any day.

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the salad and the tangy balsamic vinaigrette and store them in separate containers. Storing them separately will keep your veggiesespecially the tomatoesfrom getting soggy.
  • Storage: This Chopped Caprese Cucumber Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Fresh Basil In Caprese

The finishing touch to top off any Caprese Salad is fresh torn basil. Peppery and unique, I love fresh basil for the warm spice it gives my taste buds. Plus, I dont think the dish is the same thing at all without that tang.

  • Oregano minty with a hay-type flavor and lemony thyme are great basil alternatives to try. The fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella salad could also tolerate more robust flavors like tarragon, dill, or green onion.

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Recipe Notes And Tips

  • Use ripe cherry tomatoes. The riper they are the sweeter the flavor. I also like to use rainbow tomatoes for a variety of color.
  • Use fresh basil for a real burst of flavor. If you dont like basil, you can use another herb like parsley to add freshness.
  • You can shake the dressing ingredients all together in a mason jar. You can then pour it striaght from the jar or store it in the fridge.
  • How To Make Tomato And Mozzarella Salad

    G. Garvin

    This mozzarella salad is best served the same day. If making your own balsamic reduction, prepare it ahead of time to save on prep time.

    • Step 1: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange with the basil leaves in an alternating pattern in a serving dish. You want a dish that you can easily stand the slices in a vertical pattern.
    • Step 2: Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
    • Step 3: Season with salt and pepper. Serve right away. It tastes the best at room temperature.

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    How To Make Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad Step By Step Photos

    Begin by cooking 8 oz. bowtie pasta. You can prepare everything else for the salad in the time it takes the pasta to cook. Fill a pot with water, add two large pinches of salt, place a lid on top, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender. Drain the pasta in a colander, rinse briefly with cool water, then let it drain very well.

    Next, make the Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette. Add all of the ingredients for the dressing to either a blender or jar , 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and some freshly cracked pepper). Blend the ingredients until emulsified, or shake your jar until the ingredients are combined.

    Roughly chop about 3 cups of fresh spinach.

    Slice one pint of grape tomatoes in half.

    Dice 8 oz. fresh mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes. I froze the other half of the cheese for later.

    Add the spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella to a large bowl.

    Once the pasta is well-drained and mostly cool, add it to the bowl. Make sure the pasta is not hot so you dont wilt the spinach or melt the cheese. Toss the salad to combine the ingredients.

    If youre planning to eat the salad later, store it at this point, without dressing, in a resealable container. The salad will stay good this way for 3-4 days.

    Or, if you plan to serve it now, add about half of the dressing and toss the salad again to coat it in the dressing. Add more dressing as desired.

    What Dishes Go Well With Caprese Salad With Cucumbers

    This caprese salad recipe with cucumbers is so appetizing that youll be looking for any excuse to make it. Serve it any day of the week alongside these perfectly paired mains:

    • Easy Chicken Stroganoff: Theres no pairing quite as balanced as rich, creamy stroganoff and the light, fresh vegetables in Cucumber Caprese Salad.
    • Grilled Shrimp: My cucumber tomato side is the perfect summer salad for any weeknight barbecueespecially when paired with smoky, grilled shrimp.
    • Baked Meatballs and Potatoes: Your dinner table will pop with herby greens, juicy reds, and peppery oranges when you serve this dish alongside this salad
    • Roasted Cornish Hen: This succulent chicken classic never tastes better than when its paired with the complex, herby flavors of my salad recipe.
    • Ground Turkey Meatloaf: Put a mature and healthful spin on this childhood staple by serving it alongside my cucumber Caprese salad recipe.
    • Serve it by itself with a crusty loaf of bread like Challah bread or No Knead Dutch Oven Bread.

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    How To Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad#

    To a small mixing bowl, add olive oil, wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian seasoning and whisk together until emulsified.Add the chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, onions, and mozzarella cheese to a large bowl. Pour the vinegarette dressing over the salad, and season with salt and black pepper.Toss to combine, and keep refrigerated for at least 30 minutes for the flavorsto meld. Serve and enjoy!

    How To Make Mozzarella Salad With Balsamic Tomatoes

    Arugula, Cherry Tomato, & Mozzarella Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing | Easy Lunch or Dinner

    This salad is made with fresh mozzarella and I usually get one big ball per person. You can also use smaller mozzarella balls, aka bocconcini, and serve those cut in halves or whole.

    A nice way to serve this salad is to have a platter of sliced mozzarella or balls and a bowl with the balsamic tomatoes on the side so that guests can dish them up together on their own plate.

    For balsamic tomatoes, I really like using cherry tomatoes because they are extra sweet but you could also slice larger tomatoes. White or red onions or shallots and a little garlic give this salad a bit of sharpness, which I love. Good balsamic vinegar and olive oil are important in my opinion. Fresh basil brings it all together for that classic Italian combo.

    As you can imagine, this dish is super easy to make. Slice mozzarella cheese or serve as whole bowls. Combine the balsamic tomato salad in a bowl and serve on top or on the side. Thats it! You can make the salad bit ahead of time but I prefer to add the balsamic and olive oil just before serving so the tomatoes arent too soggy.

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    Choose The Right Basil

    All basil is not created equal. For this recipe, look for sweet basil or Italian large leaf basil. We prefer to chiffonade the basil leaves for this dish however, feel free to rip the leaves by hand or chop roughly.

    Make sure the leaves are strong and intact, as well as a vibrant green. If the leaves are turning purple or black, don’t use them. They will damage the fresh, delicate flavor of the pasta salad.

    Why We Love This Dish

    Pasta salads are not always the most elegant of dish presentations. However, the color and uniform size of ingredients make this fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil salad an inviting summer treat. The al dente pasta, soft cheese and firm yet juicy tomatoes provide a lovely variation of textures that you and your guests will find pleasing as well. We hope you enjoy this dish as much as we did!

    Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad

    by · This post contains affiliate links ·

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad is a bright and fresh summer salad, bursting with juicy seasonal tomatoes, soft and creamy mozzarella balls, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, simple seasoning, and freshly sliced basil.

    Enjoy this tomato salad as a delicious side dish or a light lunch with crusty gluten free bread and crackers!

    A fresh salad that will go with any barbeque meat or seafood!

    If you like easy and fresh salad recipes please take a look at my similar recipes such as Cabbage and Cucumber Salad With Dill and .

    There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!

    Serve this delicious salad as a great side dish to garlic chicken pasta, baked ziti, over scrambled eggs, over baked fish, or on top of crusty gluten free bread similar to tomato bruschetta.

    Tomato Salad With Basil And Balsamic

    Tomato Mozzarella Salad with White Balsamic Reduction

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

    This quick and easy tomato salad recipe is the best way to highlight the natural flavor and sweetness of fresh summer tomatoes! Use cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or larger Beefsteak tomatoes, stir in basil and red onion, then dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, pasta or seafood!

    Weve been enjoying the best sweet little cherry tomatoes from the farmers market this summer, which regularly find themselves tossed in a big bowl of tomato salad. Bits of zesty red onion, snipped fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing enhance the tomatoes sweetness and let their natural flavors shine. The simple side dish is perfect as is, but its also delicious with extras like feta cheese, mozzarella, cucumber or avocado.

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    Favorite Summer Side Dish

    This is one of my favorite dishes to bring to a BBQ. Its so fresh and flavorful and incredibly simple to whip up. Some of my other top picks are pasta salad, Greek salad and cucumber tomato salad.

    A fresh caprese salad is the ultimate summer side dish! You just cant go wrong with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil topped with balsamic. The fresh summer flavors shine through and taste absolutely delicious.

    A traditional caprese salad is made with slices of tomatoes, sliced mozzarella and larger pieces of basil on top. While I love the original version, I find it much easier to eat this way and perfect for a crowd.

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