Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs is the ultimate summer side dish. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to keeping the salad crispy and the flavors bright. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe.
Why This Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs Is Pure Comfort
- Bursting with fresh flavors
- No cooking required
- Perfect for summer cookouts
- Easy to customize
What You'll Need for Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta
📝 Ingredient Notes
- cherry tomatoes: Use a mix of colors for better presentation.
- fresh mozzarella: Use the small ciliegine mozzarella balls for easier slicing.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Good quality olive oil — Enhances the flavors of the salad → See on Amazon
- Balsamic glaze — Adds a touch of sweetness and depth → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
- Prepare the tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella: Drain the mozzarella and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Add the herbs: Chop the basil and parsley and add them to the bowl.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Add optional toppings: Sprinkle pine nuts and crumbled feta over the salad, if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid over-dressing the salad. Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad crispy.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine just before serving.
- Flavor boost: Add a minced garlic clove to the dressing for extra flavor.
- Presentation tip: Arrange the salad on a platter with the tomatoes and mozzarella alternating in a spiral pattern.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
Freezing Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mix of cherry tomatoes for better presentation and flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute fresh mozzarella with drained and rinsed canned chickpeas for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad becomes watery, drain the excess liquid before serving.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality olive oil — Enhances the flavors of the salad → Check price on Amazon
Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella: Drain the mozzarella and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Add the herbs: Chop the basil and parsley and add them to the bowl.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Add optional toppings: Sprinkle pine nuts and crumbled feta over the salad, if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mix of cherry tomatoes for better presentation and flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute fresh mozzarella with drained and rinsed canned chickpeas for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad becomes watery, drain the excess liquid before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 4.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs FAQs
Yes, prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving to keep the salad crispy.
Over-ripened tomatoes or adding dressing too early can cause the salad to become watery. Drain excess liquid before serving.
Drained and rinsed canned chickpeas make a great vegan substitute.
Yes, add sliced grilled chicken to make this salad a main dish.
Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before serving to keep the salad crispy and fresh.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
