Mozzarella With Tomatoes
A classic Italian appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes layered with herbs and olive oil, perfect for a light, flavorful starter or summer platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Arrange the slices alternating and overlapping on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Top with chopped basil leaves.
- Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. If fresh mozzarella is not available, you can substitute with burrata cheese for a creamier texture. Adding sliced black olives can enhance the dish's flavor profile. Fresh basil is essential, but if unavailable, dried basil can be used in a pinch. This dish pairs beautifully with Fettuccine With Vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mozzarella and tomato salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, and can be complemented by crusty bread for a light meal. For a complete Italian experience, serve alongside Italian Drop Cookies for dessert or browse more vegetarian recipes for additional options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes, avoid reheating; instead, serve cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can toss the leftovers into a salad or blend into a fresh pasta dish like Rigatoni With Ham Sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mozzarella With Tomatoes contains roughly 1075 calories, with 71g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2222mg per serving (97% 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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella and tomato slices in advance. However, it's best to add the olive oil, oregano, and basil just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant. Allowing it to sit for 30 minutes enhances the flavors, so aim to prepare it shortly beforehand.
What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal for this dish due to their sweetness and juiciness. Avoid using out-of-season tomatoes, as they may lack flavor. If unavailable, cherry tomatoes can be halved and used as an alternative, providing a burst of sweetness.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding sliced avocados, roasted red peppers, or even grilled zucchini for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to balance the flavors so that the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes remain the stars of the dish.
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).