Tomato-Mozzarella Salad
A fresh, vibrant tomato-mozzarella salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a flavorful herb vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in a shallow dish.
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine safflower oil, red vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped onion, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the jar and shake well to mix the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato and cheese layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours, occasionally spooning the dressing over the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using fresh buffalo mozzarella instead of part skim. You can also substitute olive oil for safflower oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing. To enhance the flavor, let the salad marinate for a few hours or even overnight. This recipe pairs beautifully with Winter Salad With Walnuts And Apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tomato-Mozzarella Salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. It complements grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside Mediterranean recipes like Eggplant Croquettes. For a more filling meal, add slices of crusty bread or mix in some cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella, avoid freezing this salad. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of extra dressing if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Mozzarella Salad contains roughly 209 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% 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, this salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator and stir the dressing again before serving to ensure everything is well coated.
What can I use instead of safflower oil?
If you don't have safflower oil on hand, you can substitute it with olive oil for a more robust flavor. Alternatively, avocado oil works well too, providing a similar consistency without altering the taste significantly.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Tomato-Mozzarella Salad by adding ingredients like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even olives. You could also sprinkle some pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
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).