Summer Cherry Tomato Salad (Print)

Sweet tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella blend in a tangy, vibrant salad, perfect for warm-weather meals.

# Ingredients:

→ Salad Base

01 - 500 g cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1/4 cup (25 g) red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup (80 g) mozzarella balls
04 - 15 fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Dressing

05 - 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon (5 ml) balsamic vinegar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Rinse cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities.
02 - Pat tomatoes dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to eliminate excess moisture.
03 - Slice each cherry tomato in half, ensuring uniform pieces for even flavor distribution.
04 - Transfer halved cherry tomatoes to a medium mixing bowl. Add thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
05 - Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly.
06 - Gently toss all ingredients to ensure tomatoes and mozzarella are well coated with dressing and seasonings.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
08 - Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or cover and refrigerate for up to several hours to maintain texture.

# Additional Notes:

01 - To enhance sweetness, add a drizzle of honey to the dressing.
02 - For a creamy texture, substitute mozzarella balls with burrata cheese.
03 - A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle heat.
04 - Avoid over-salting, as mozzarella imparts natural saltiness.
05 - Pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats or as a refreshing summer side.