Jean'S Salad
A fresh, colorful Italian-inspired salad featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, crunchy bell peppers, and tangy dressing—perfect for parties, picnics, or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Place the tomatoes in a bowl.
- Peel and slice the onion.
- Add the sliced onion to the tomatoes.
- Cube the mozzarella cheese.
- Chop the red bell pepper.
- Add the mozzarella cubes and chopped bell pepper to the bowl with tomatoes and onion.
- Toss everything with Italian dressing.
- For best flavor, make the salad a day ahead and let it marinate overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the mozzarella cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the freshness. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep time. This salad is versatile, so feel free to add ingredients like olives or cucumbers to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Jean's Salad is a vibrant addition to any meal and pairs beautifully with Ziti Alfredo With Vegetables or as a side to grilled meats. Serve it chilled as a refreshing starter or alongside an Italian Sweet Pie(Ricotta Cheese Cake) for a delightful finish. It's also great for potlucks and picnics, where it can be enjoyed by all.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep. If the salad seems dry after storage, simply add a splash more Italian dressing before serving to refresh its taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Salad contains roughly 149 calories, with 7g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making Jean's Salad a day ahead is actually recommended! It allows the flavors to develop as it marinates overnight. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients?
If you don't have cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. For the mozzarella, consider using bocconcini or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option. The red bell pepper can be replaced with yellow or orange peppers for a different flavor and color.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! Jean's Salad is a vegetarian recipe that is both nutritious and filling. It features fresh vegetables and cheese, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet. You can also add chickpeas or beans for extra protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).