Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Sticky Balsamic

Celebrate summer’s flavourful tomatoes with this Tomato Mozzarella Salad arranged in a spiral for a new twist on classic Caprese Salad.

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A close of tomato mozzarella salad with rocket or arugula drizzled with balsamic.

In Italy, this salad is known as “Insalata Caprese” or simply Caprese Salad traditionally it is a combination of summer tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic.

Our version includes some peppery rocket for a bright green pop of colour, some pesto spooned on top of ripe summer tomatoes, cute little mozzarella balls as well as a drizzle of olive oil and sticky balsamic over everything.

For more caprese-style salads why not try our sensational Burrata Caprese or our Heavenly Spinach Caprese salads?

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The Secret Behind This Salad? 🤫

The success of this salad lies in the quality of its ingredients.

Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to add sweetness and a burst of flavour. Heirloom or vine-ripened/truss tomatoes are ideal.

Look for fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) packed in water for a creamy and smooth texture. Select vibrant and crisp rocket leaves for their peppery kick.

Using the freshest produce ensures the salad will be at its tastiest and most colourful.

You Will Need

Labelled ingredients needed to make tomato mozzarella salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Wash Your Rocket/Arugula

Rinse your rocket/arugula under cold running water, and remove any damaged or wilted leaves. Either pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.

Arugula or rocket being dried in a salad spinner.

Step 2 – Cut Your Bocconcini and Tomatoes

Rinse your bocconcini in cold water, pat dry and then cut in half.

Mini bocconcini balls being sliced in half on a wooden board with a red knife.

Wash the tomatoes remove the cores and bottoms then slice into rounds.

A red knife slicing tomatoes on a wooden board.

Step 3 – Putting Your Salad Together

Arrange the tomato slices around the edge of a round platter.

Hands arranging sliced tomato halves on a white plate.

Then drizzle them with the pesto.

Sliced tomatoes on a white plate with pesto drizzled on top.

Place the baby rocket in the middle.

Sliced tomato rounds with pesto and arugula or rocket on a white plate.

Arrange the baby mozzarella on top. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Sliced tomato rounds drizzled with pesto, with arugula or rocket and sliced baby bocconcini.

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze on top.

Serve and Enjoy!

Tomato mozzarella salad on a white platter with tomatoes and basil sprigs on the right and serving spoons on the left.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This salad is great as a starter for a dinner party made up on individual plates.
You can serve it as an appetizer for guests to help themselves at a cocktail party.
For family dinners serve it with some fresh pasta or for something a bit fancy try it with roasted stuffed porchetta.
A wonderful side salad for any meal – barbecues, roasts, casseroles and pasta dishes.
Also a great option for lunch with some crusty ciabatta bread.

Tips and Questions

Can I Substitute Rocket With Another Type of Leafy Green?

Certainly! If you can’t find rocket (arugula), you can use baby spinach, mixed greens, or even watercress for a different flavour profile.

However, keep in mind that rocket’s peppery taste is one of the highlights of this salad, so the substitution may slightly alter the overall taste.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time for a Party or Gathering

You can cut the bocconcini in half the day before but keep it in a container with some water so it doesn’t discolour or dry out.
You can also wash your rocket the day before just make sure that it is completely dry so that it does not spoil or collect bacteria.
When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and dress the salad to enjoy its full flavour.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad can be made an hour or two in advance (and kept in the fridge) but no longer as the tomatoes will become too soggy.

How Long Can I Store the Leftover Salad?

As with most salads, it’s best to consume the Tomato Mozzarella Salad soon after dressing it.

However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the rocket leaves to wilt slightly, but the flavours will still be delicious.

Or cut up the tomatoes and stir the salad through some warm pasta for a simple meal the next day. Or blitz any leftovers and store them in a container in my freezer to add to my next tomato-based sauce.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?

Yes, you can get creative with the cheese selection. While fresh mozzarella complements the salad beautifully, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like burrata, feta, or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Try Some More of Our Tomato Salad Recipes

SLICED HEIRLOOM OX-HEART TOMATOES WITH SMALL BASIL LEAVES WITH WHIPPED FETA ON AN AQUA BLUE PLATTER — HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

CRETAN TOMATO & CUCUMBER SALAD — HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

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