Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian appetizer that balances the sweetness of sun-ripened cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella pearls. This quick and elegant dish uses simple, high-quality ingredients like fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of balsamic glaze to create a sophisticated sensory experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or hosting guests, it requires no cooking and delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors in every delicious forkful.
Ingredients
2 pints cherry tomatoes
8 ounces mozzarella pearls
1 cup fresh basil
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them completely dry.
Slice each tomato in half vertically using a serrated paring knife.
Place the halved tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
Add the drained mozzarella pearls to the bowl.
Toss the ingredients together gently using a silicone spatula.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Garnish with hand-torn fresh basil leaves and the balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Ensure the mozzarella pearls are well drained to keep the salad fresh and not watery. Use the freshest basil available and tear the leaves by hand rather than chopping to prevent bruising. The balsamic glaze adds a slightly sweet acidity that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Trends Recipes
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg