LM AspirationsLM AspirationsEasy twist on the classic mozzarella and tomato caprese salad.
While enjoying a classic caprese salad, I started thinking about what I could add to my summer favorite. Over the years, I have enjoyed caprese salads with balsamic vinegar, atop a plate of arugula, and sprinkled with freshly ground pepper, all yummy. But I craved something more. Not that the classic caprese with fresh, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil needs any revamping, I could eat this salad all summer. Yet, I craved more.
Then I thought, why not marinate fresh mozzarella in dried herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil? So I left these bite-sized mozzarella pearls in the marinade overnight in the fridge. The next afternoon (I couldn’t wait), I mixed the mozzarella with the cherry and grape tomatoes, and topped my salad with shreds of Parmigiano-Reggiano. It was worth it! This delicious twist with fresh tomatoes, marinated mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano was fantastic. Just perfect for lunch, dinner, bbq side, or anytime side dish.
Ingredients:
12 oz Pkg (or 1 Pint) Cherry and Grape Tomatoes
8 oz Mozzarella Pearls
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Teaspoons Basil
1/2 Teaspoon Parsley
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Sprinkle Black Pepper
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Clean your tomatoes. I use a 3 to 1 vinegar & water wash. Rinse, wash, then rinse with cold running water, and dry. Perfer this process to a store bought vegatable wash. Drain your mozzarella pearls. Mix olive oil, basil, parsley, sea salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add mozzarella to olive oil marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight. Combine marinated mozzarella pearls and tomatoes. Garnish with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Super easy and so savory! Love this easy salad on a hot summer day. Serves 1.
Add-Ons: Fresh basil, onions, or olives. Cold spiral pasta is also a great addition to this easy salad.
Enjoy!
Summer favorite Tomato Arugula Salad
