Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs is my go-to summer salad. After making it dozens of times, I’ve perfected the balance of flavors. The trick I discovered is using a mix of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. This salad is crispy, fresh, and better than takeout. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Sriracha Aioli and Homemade Sugar Free Blueberry Syrup for Refreshing Drinks.
Why This Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs Is Pure Comfort
- Bursting with fresh flavors
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Better than takeout
- Perfect for summer cookouts or a light dinner
What You'll Need for Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- cherry tomatoes: Use a mix of colors for a pop of color.
- fresh mozzarella: Use the small mozzarella pearls for easier slicing.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Good quality olive oil — Enhances the fresh flavors of the salad → See on Amazon
- Balsamic glaze — Adds a sweet and tangy kick to the salad → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
- Step 1: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add the mozzarella pearls to the bowl. If using a large ball of mozzarella, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Step 4: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss to combine.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine.
- Step 6: If using, sprinkle the pine nuts and crumbled feta over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-toss the salad or the mozzarella will break apart. Gently combine the ingredients.
- Pro tip: For a vegetarian version, add grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Pro tip: For a protein-packed version, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storing & Reheating Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 hour ahead. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Freezing Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, enjoy cold or at room temperature. Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make the mozzarella soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mix of cherry tomato varieties for a pop of color and flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute the fresh mozzarella with feta for a tangier salad.
- Make-ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be made up to 1 hour ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mezzaluna knife — Makes quick work of slicing cherry tomatoes → Check price on Amazon
Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add the mozzarella pearls to the bowl. If using a large ball of mozzarella, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Step 4: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss to combine.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine.
- Step 6: If using, sprinkle the pine nuts and crumbled feta over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mix of cherry tomato varieties for a pop of color and flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute the fresh mozzarella with feta for a tangier salad.
- Make-ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be made up to 1 hour ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, enjoy cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended, as it can make the mozzarella soggy.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 hour ahead. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs FAQs
Yes, it can be made up to 1 hour ahead. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Yes, add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version.
Feta cheese is a good substitute for a tangier salad.
No, it is not suitable for freezing.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Better Than Takeout Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
