Description
A fresh and vibrant Tomato and Mozzarella Salad combining sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and a tangy homemade dressing enriched with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Enhanced with fresh basil, toasted sunflower seeds, and a hint of chili flakes, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick, flavorful appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 500 g cherry tomatoes
- 200 g mozzarella balls
- 2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 red onion, very finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pesto
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion and pressed garlic. Add balsamic vinegar, mustard, pesto, chili flakes, honey, and olive oil. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
- Add tomatoes and mozzarella: Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in the bowl with the dressing along with the mozzarella balls. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating without damaging the mozzarella.
- Finish the salad: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves and toasted sunflower seeds over the salad. Mix gently one more time to distribute the toppings evenly. Drizzle with a little extra honey and garnish with additional basil leaves for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegan variation, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives.
- The salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
- Toast sunflower seeds lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
