An Inspired Cook

The Tomato Mozzarella Salad is sometimes known as a Caprese Salad or Margherita Salad.  Doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s one of the freshest and appetizing salads around.  I’m tempted to pick up a fresh mozzarella ball every time I see cherry or grape tomatoes on sale.  I could eat it with a slice of toasted french bread and be happy.  But my guys love it too so I usually make it a side salad with our meal.

Such a simple salad with fresh ingredients.  I love grape tomatoes with fresh mozzarella “pearls”.   And some fresh basil and slices of red onion.

Slice a pint of grape tomatoes in half.

In another bowl, separate the mozzarella pearls.  Or if you have a mozzarella ball, slice into bite sized cubes.

I cut 2 slices of onion and quartered it.  Combine the onion, tomato and fresh mozzarella together and mix together.

I thinly sliced some basil leaves and placed over the top.

Now for the balsamic vinaigrette.  I went simple with a good balsamic vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper.

In a small jar I added 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.

And about 1/4 cup olive oil.  You can’t go wrong with the measurements, if you want more oil go for it.  I just eyeballed it and adjusted by taste.

I added about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch of salt.  Again, let your taste buds be the judge.

Put the lid on good and tight.

And give it a good shake.

I like to drizzle a little over top and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.   Then let everyone add any additional vinaigrette if they want.

I love this fresh salad, it’s so colorful and tastes so good.


Tomato Mozzarella Salad

1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, sliced in half
8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella, cut into bite size pieces
2 thin slices Red Onion, quartered
8 Basil Leaves, cut chiffonade
3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Pinch of Salt

Combine sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pieces and onion slices together in a medium sized bowl and mix together.  Thinly slice the basil leaves and sprinkle over the top of the salad.

Mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small jelly jar.  Place lid on jar and shake to make vinaigrette dressing.  Pour over salad.

Makes 4 servings.