Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

Name: Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484072H41M41S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine); 2 tablespoons pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2–3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Balsamic glaze (for drizzling); Fresh basil leaves (to garnish)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 2, 2025

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Some dishes are timeless, and the Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto is one of them. This Italian-inspired favorite, also known as Pesto Caprese Salad, combines sweet, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a bold pesto dressing for a salad that is as simple as it is elegant.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or an appetizer, this salad is bursting with fresh flavors and can be thrown together in minutes. The addition of pesto takes it to the next level, adding a depth of flavor that enhances the classic tomato-mozzarella pairing.

Perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a quick weeknight meal, this vibrant, no-cook dish is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

1. A Celebration of Simple, Fresh Ingredients

This salad proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something delicious. With just a handful of high-quality components, you get a perfect balance of flavors and textures:

Tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness.
Mozzarella adds a creamy, delicate richness.
Pesto infuses bold, herbaceous notes with a hint of garlic.
Olive oil and balsamic glaze enhance the natural flavors with a touch of depth.

Each ingredient works together to create a salad that is greater than the sum of its parts.

2. Versatile & Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this salad is how easily adaptable it is. It can be:

A side dish for grilled meats, pasta, or seafood.
A light lunch or snack when paired with crusty bread.
An appetizer served on a platter with crostini.
A base for a more substantial meal by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.

3. Quick & No Cooking Required

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something fresh and delicious with minimal effort. There’s no need to turn on the stove—just assemble the ingredients, toss them together, and serve.

4. A Healthier Option with Wholesome Ingredients

Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients:

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, which support heart health.
Mozzarella provides protein and calcium for strong bones.
Basil and pesto offer anti-inflammatory benefits and essential nutrients.
Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.

This makes it an excellent low-carb, keto-friendly, and naturally gluten-free dish.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 8 ounces, drained
Pesto Sauce: 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 2–3 tablespoons
Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling
Fresh Basil: For garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice grape or cherry tomatoes in half, place in a bowl, and sprinkle with salt.
Drain Mozzarella: Remove excess moisture from the fresh mozzarella balls before adding them to the bowl.
Toss with Pesto: Add pesto sauce and mix until evenly coated.
Drizzle Olive Oil & Balsamic Glaze: Enhance the flavors with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Garnish with Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the salad for a fragrant finish.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for a short time to let the flavors meld before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 220
Protein: 9g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for the Best Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

Even with its simple ingredients, a few small tweaks can take this salad from good to incredible. Here’s how to maximize flavor and texture:

1. Use the Freshest Ingredients Possible

Since this salad is all about letting the ingredients shine, the quality of each component matters.

Tomatoes: Look for ripe, sweet tomatoes—grape, cherry, heirloom, or vine-ripened varieties work best. If using larger tomatoes, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are best for this salad. Burrata is another creamy, indulgent option.
Basil: Use fresh, fragrant basil to complement the pesto.

2. Make Your Own Pesto for Maximum Freshness

While store-bought pesto works in a pinch, making your own gives the salad a fresher, brighter flavor. Homemade pesto is simple—just blend:

Fresh basil leaves
Pine nuts
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper

3. Let the Flavors Marinate

For the best results, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the pesto, olive oil, and balsamic glaze to infuse into the tomatoes and mozzarella, making each bite even more flavorful.

4. Experiment with Add-Ins

Want to make this salad even more exciting? Try these delicious variations:

Avocado: Adds extra creaminess.
Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Brings a crunchy contrast.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Turns it into a full meal.
Sliced Olives or Artichokes: Introduces a Mediterranean twist.
Fresh Burrata: Takes creaminess to the next level.

5. Serve with the Right Accompaniments

This salad pairs beautifully with:

Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the juices.
Grilled meats or seafood for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio or pesto pasta.
A glass of white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) for an elegant pairing.

FAQs About Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

1. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but for the freshest taste, add the balsamic glaze and basil just before serving.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the texture is best when eaten fresh, as tomatoes release water over time.

3. Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the mozzarella for a plant-based alternative or use cubed avocado for creaminess. Also, make sure your pesto is dairy-free.

4. What’s the Best Substitute for Balsamic Glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, try:

A mix of balsamic vinegar and honey reduced on the stove.
A drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, which is naturally thicker.

5. Can I Use Regular Tomatoes Instead of Cherry or Grape Tomatoes?

Yes! Slice heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure to drain any excess juice before adding them to the salad.

6. Is This Salad Keto-Friendly?

Yes! With low-carb ingredients and healthy fats, it’s an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Conclusion: Why You Need to Try This Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

The Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Pesto is more than just a simple salad—it’s a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This dish is:
✅ Perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
✅ Quick, fresh, and incredibly easy to make.
✅ A great way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in a healthy way.

With sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, vibrant pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad packs a punch in every bite.

So next time you need a light yet satisfying dish, reach for this fresh, flavor-packed classic—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.