This summery cherry tomato salad is made with ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, herbs and red onions, all tossed in a light garlic and herb dressing. A fun take on the classic caprese salad!
Tomato and mozzarella salad is a traditional summer side dish that never goes out of style. This version uses cherry tomatoes and bite sized mozzarella balls and is perfect for a pot luck or barbecue.
I often like to throw together salads that don’t contain lettuce for a nice snack. Of course, they work as a side dish just as well and one of my favorites is this cherry tomato salad. If you’re a tomato lover like me, you’ll be tempted to eat it all once that first tomato hits your taste buds.
HOW DO YOU MAKE CHERRY TOMATO SALAD?
The hardest part to this tomato and mozzarella salad is attempting to not eat it while making it. Place your fresh tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella balls, and herbs in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your dressing and pour it over the top of the tomato mixture. Lightly toss and you’ve got a tasty snack or side that only takes minutes to make.
If you prefer grape tomatoes, those work just as well but cherry tomatoes are usually my go-to. I think it’s really fun to get the colorful cherry tomatoes you usually find at the Farmer’s Market and use those in this tomato and mozzarella salad. It makes for quite a gorgeous side dish with little effort involved.
If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can use basil, dill or chives instead and the flavor will still be amazing. If you want to further liven up your cherry tomato salad, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze is a great addition!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAPE TOMATOES AND CHERRY TOMATOES?
That’s a great question that many people don’t know the answer to. Grape tomatoes tend to be smaller (about half the size) and more oblong shaped than cherry tomatoes. Grape tomatoes have a thicker skin and aren’t as sweet as cherry tomatoes. I find that grape tomatoes are more readily available at the grocery store these days. You can use either grape or cherry tomatoes in this salad with the same results.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO SERVE A TOMATO SALAD?
It’s always best to serve dishes that contain a lot of fresh ingredients like this tomato and mozzarella salad, immediately. Many people don’t know or realize that tomatoes change texture after being cut then refrigerated. Therefore, the freshest salad, especially if it has tomatoes, is best served as soon as possible.
There couldn’t be an easier side dish than this cherry tomato salad. The salad has been a huge hit with family and friends so I always keep it in my arsenal when party plans start brewing. Time is rarely on my side so I need easy recipes like this to keep me sane! Plus it’s the perfect way to showcase all those fresh summer tomatoes.
MORE SALAD RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Feta
- Tropical Fruit Salad
- Spaghetti Salad
Cherry Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls halved
- 1/4 cup red onion minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, chives, green onions, oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, red onion and herbs in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve.
Linda Hughes says
Can you make the sauce ahead of time?
Sara says
Yes that works!
Kim says
I love this salad so much and so did the rest of my family I did add zucchini and cauliflower. But even if I didn’t I would love it.
Beatrice says
Here in CA our garden tomatoes are overflowing and I love to make this recipe! Nice for lunch too!
Debbie says
I’m a fan of this salad! I change up the fresh herbs for variety!
doleroll says
Thank you for the recipe but where’s the garlic in the “garlic and herb dressing”?
Sara says
You’re right, that got omitted by accident. Thanks for catching it!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
I love caprese salads and you’ve taken it up a notch with this recipe! I will sure to try making this salad soon!
mya kroeplin says
fresh mozzarella makes all the difference in this. looks amazing!
rika says
I make a similar cherry tomato salad almost everyday this summer! So light and easy! My kids love mozzarella balls.
Jeanine says
Oh my goodness what a delicious and colourful salad! I know for a fact this would be a huge hit in my house! It looks just yummy!
Meeta says
This is one of our favorite salads. When our tomatoes are ripe – we cannot get enough of it. Have you every tried it with a few slices of peaches? Great!
Karen Morse says
I agree, this makes a nice snack or a great side dish! I think it’s always been a lovely combination, the mozzarella definitely compliments the cherry tomatoes! I am a huge fan of easy to make recipes like this!
Amber Myers says
I would love this. I am all about tomatoes and mozzarella. I’m going to make this soon! Heck, I could make this and be content with it. I wouldn’t need anything else.
Glenda Cates says
This looks so yummy and I can’t wait to make it for my mother in law for her Lunch as she loves all kinds of Tomatoes.
Tasheena says
This salad looks so delicious! Would be perfect to make for dinner today. I love summer recipes that include cherry tomatoes.
Melissa Chapman says
The tomato and mozzarrella is so good together and the italian influence is so great. On ahot day this looks so cool and refreshing.