Home Appetizers
Tomatoes with mozzarella can be the basis for many variations of dishes. When cherry-sized mozzarella balls are marinated in extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and then topped with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, the dish can be very creamy and creative.
Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella are the easiest appetizer or side dish you can make. This is the best way to get the fullness of flavors. Roasting and baking the tomatoes brings out their sweetness and makes them more juicy and the mozzarella zesty.
The ideal dressing for tomatoes and mozzarella is a mixture of balsamic vinegar and basil. Using a sauce instead of whole leaves allows the basil flavor to be distributed throughout the dish.
The combination of tomatoes and mozzarella makes a classic Italian appetizer or salad. As a rule, dishes using these ingredients are prepared from fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, with the addition of basil leaves; and are usually drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How to cook tomatoes with mozzarella - 15 varieties
- Tomatoes with mozzarella - classic recipe
- Baked tomatoes with mozzarella and parmesan
- Caprese salad with tomato and mozzarella
- Cherry tomato and mozzarella salad
- Appetizers with mozzarella and tomatoes
- Tomatoes with garlic, basil and mozzarella
- Appetizer for a buffet of tomatoes and mozzarella
- Tomato salad with mozzarella and avocado
- Baked tomatoes with mozzarella
- Tomatoes with basil, mozzarella, avocado and balsamic dressing
- Bruschetta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
- Light tomato salad with mozzarella
- Tomato, mozzarella and cucumber salad
- Tomatoes with mozzarella and corn
- Tomato, mozzarella, basil and quinoa salad
Simple Italian appetizer
To prepare the first recipe you will need the following set of fresh ingredients:
- 150 g mozzarella;
- 5 medium tomatoes;
- 4 tbsp. l. olive oil;
- 3 sprigs of basil;
- spices are added to taste.
Main stages of preparation:
- We cut clean tomatoes with a very sharp knife. If the blade is dull, the peel will most likely tear and you won’t get a beautiful dish.
- The thickness of the circles should not exceed 6 mm. It is also worth remembering that the “butts” of tomatoes are not used in this appetizer.
- Carefully remove the mozzarella from the packaging. Cut it into pieces the same size as tomatoes.
- Arrange vegetables beautifully on a large plate, alternating them with cheese. You should get an even circle with an “empty” middle.
- If desired, decorate the dish with basil leaves or capers, and then season everything with spices.
- Just before serving, drizzle the tomatoes and mozzarella with a little olive oil.
Tomatoes with mozzarella - classic recipe
Enjoy the flavors of summer any time of year with this fresh Italian combination that's simple and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes - 6 pcs.
- Mozzarella cheese – 250 g
- Basil
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Spices
Preparation:
Carefully cut the tomatoes into slices.
Also chop the Mozzarella cheese.
Place tomatoes and cheese alternating over the entire surface of the dish.
Garnish with basil. Sprinkle with spices and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
About the benefits of mozzarella
The main savory component of a tomato and mozzarella salad is, of course, cheese. It received such a sonorous and bright name due to its Italian origin. Since the 1570s, references to mozzarella can be found in many cookbooks in Italy.
This cheese belongs to the soft and young varieties, as it ripens quickly and is not stored for long. The traditional product is prepared from the milk of female buffaloes, and it is suitable for cheese making no more than half a day after milking.
During the cooking process, a special enzyme is added to the milk, which curdles it, after which the mixture is heated. Using wooden spatulas, whisk the milk until it becomes smooth. This is the basis of the future cheese, from which balls of different sizes or braids are formed for sale.
Mozzarella has a lot of useful properties and excellent taste. This variety differs from other cheeses in its high fat content and minimal amount of carbohydrates, which allows it to be classified as a dietary product.
The benefit for the body is that mozzarella is rich in calcium, an essential element for strong bones and teeth, and protein, which is involved in many metabolic processes in the body.
Externally, the cheese is distinguished by its white color and elasticity when pressed. It has a very delicate and soft taste, so Italian chefs are happy to use it to prepare various dishes.
Combining cheese with tomatoes or other vegetables and herbs gives rise to new rich and vibrant flavors. An example of this is the common Italian salad of mozzarella and tomato.
Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to purchase fresh cheese in stores in our country due to its short storage time, so it is sold smoked or placed in brine. In brine, the cheese is a small ball or bag covered with a pearlescent skin. You can easily remove it and use the mozzarella to make a salad.
Baked tomatoes with mozzarella and parmesan
Roasted tomatoes are a super quick, super easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion. And cheesy baked tomatoes are incredibly juicy and tasty.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes, chopped - 4 pcs.
- Mozzarella cheese, grated - 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 cup
- Basil, chopped
- Olive oil
Preparation:
Preheat the oven.
Place the tomato slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Top each tomato with a layer of Parmesan followed by a layer of mozzarella.
Sprinkle chopped basil on top of each tomato.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Turn off the oven and wait 3 minutes to brown the cheese.
Serve immediately.
Caprese salad with tomato and mozzarella
Tomato Mozzarella Salad is iconic and classic, perfect for a delicious lunch and a great addition to any dinner. This salad is filled with ripe juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella and thinly sliced onions.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes - 1 pc.
- Mozzarella cheese – 125 g
- Basil - 3 sprigs
- Vegetable oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Pesto sauce - 2 tbsp
Preparation:
Rinse the tomatoes and basil.
Remove the Mozzarella cheese from the brine and drain.
Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into slices; alternately place on two plates. Tomatoes and cheese should overlap.
Drizzle with Pesto sauce, top with basil, drizzle with oil, balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with spices.
Description of preparation:
The recipe for this salad is quite simple, so it won’t take you much time.
In addition to the fact that the salad contains few calories and is perfect for people who are watching their weight, it also has a lot of beneficial properties. Despite its simple composition, the salad is nutritious enough to give you energy. Purpose: For lunch / For dinner / Inexpensive Main ingredient: Vegetables / Tomato / Dairy products / Cheese / Mozzarella Dish: Salads Diet: Diet food / PP recipes
Cherry tomato and mozzarella salad
This delicious salad is made with tiny balls of mozzarella that work well in the salad with small juicy tomatoes and basil.
Ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes - 250 g
- Mozzarella – 250 g
- Basil – 8 leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Spices
Preparation:
Cut the tomatoes in half and place in a bowl with the cheese and basil.
Season with spices, cover and refrigerate until ready.
Appetizers with mozzarella and tomatoes
This Italian classic shows off the colors of Italy with red tomatoes, green sprigs of basil and white mozzarella cheese in a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
- Small mozzarella balls – 140 g
- Cherry tomatoes – 200 g
- Carrots – 1 pc.
- Parsley, basil, green onions
- Small pitted olives - 1 jar
- Large pitted olives - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise
Preparation:
To prepare a penguin-shaped snack: peel the carrots, cut into circles and cut into triangles. Cut large olives lengthwise. Place a ball (or half) of mozzarella inside them. Prick a small olive onto a skewer. Then add a large olive with mozzarella and carrots so that the penguin comes out. Place a piece of carrot in the shape of a nose into a small olive.
To prepare a mushroom-shaped snack: pour mayonnaise into a pastry syringe. Cut off the top of the tomato and place a piece of mozzarella. Thread onto a skewer along with parsley and a slice of carrot. Decorate the tomato with drops of mayonnaise so that it resembles a fly agaric. Serve garnished with onions.
To prepare a ladybug-shaped appetizer: cut off the top of a tomato, cut a small olive crosswise, and finely chop one part. Separate the tomato skin and place it in the indented pieces of olives. Cut the tomato lengthwise, insert a piece of mozzarella and stick it on a skewer along with half an olive and basil. It should look like a ladybug. Draw eyes with mayonnaise.
Classic caprese in different presentations
Well, you already know almost all the subtleties. ABOUT! Another rule: if the mozzarella is in one piece, then you need to take large tomatoes and cut them into slices. The cheese and tomatoes should be the same thickness, they are placed alternately in the form of a spiral, and before serving, pour one of the sauces over the salad. Add a few sprigs of basil, separated into leaves.
For mozzarella balls, you need to take small, dense tomatoes and use them whole (cherry tomatoes) or cut them in half. This salad is mixed with basil and then dressed.
Serving option: on skewers. The process looks like this: prepare the tomatoes, cut the cheese into cubes or halves of balls. Then dip the cheese in the sauce and thread it onto skewers, interspersed with basil leaves.
Serving on bruschetta is the same as on a plate. These are, in fact, ordinary sandwiches: spread everything out and pour sauce over it before eating. You don't have to take croutons - it tastes even better with a very fresh French baguette.
Any type of serving can be supplemented with capers, olives, arugula and sun-dried cherry tomatoes.
Tomatoes with garlic, basil and mozzarella
This appetizer is the perfect use for your garden fresh tomatoes and basil greens.
Ingredients:
- Medium tomatoes, cut into slices - 4 pcs.
- Olive oil - ¼ cup
- Red wine vinegar – 3 tablespoons
- Chopped basil leaves
- Spices
- Garlic, squeezed – 2 cloves
- Mozzarella cheese, fresh – 200 g
- Green salad, optional
Preparation:
Place the tomatoes in a glass or plastic bowl.
Combine remaining ingredients except cheese and salad greens in a tightly sealed container. Pour this mixture over the tomatoes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Place a layer of cheese alternately with tomatoes on salad greens.
The fresh mozzarella cheese featured in this recipe is a soft white cheese with a mild, delicate flavor. It has a different flavor than regular mozzarella and can be found in Italian markets, cheese shops and some supermarkets.
Product selection
Basically, all Italian chefs use their national variety of tomatoes - Iarge vine-ripened. It is considered to be ideal for this dish. This variety is somewhat similar to the cherry tomatoes we are used to (they grow in clusters on one branch), but Iarge vine-ripened is a little larger in size. Of course, finding this type of tomato in our country is quite problematic.
Local chefs often use regular oblong-shaped tomatoes that resemble plums. They are the most optimal for tomato salad with mozzarella and basil. There is another more expensive type of this vegetable - chumak. It has a bright red color, the core is not white, and a wonderful smell, which is not inherent in every variety.
As for basil, there are no specific requirements for the plant. The main thing is that it is fresh, ideally only from the garden. It is also advisable to take basil with small leaves; they give caprese an unforgettable aroma that is so attractive.
The classic recipe for tomatoes with mozzarella and basil calls for buffalo milk cheese. However, even in Italy itself you can hardly find caprese made from such a product, so everyone uses regular mozzarella made from cow's milk.
There are no specific requirements regarding cheese balls, because their size does not change the taste. Larger layers of mozzarella will simply be more convenient to cut, and the appearance of the dish will be more attractive. And of course, you should choose only the freshest cheese, then it will have an unsurpassed taste and aroma.
Appetizer for a buffet of tomatoes and mozzarella
Since this appetizer does not require marinating, it is incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes – 250 g
- Mozzarella cheese – 160 g
- Spices
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
Preparation:
Cut the mozzarella into halves and marinate in olive oil.
Cut the tomatoes in half. Cut out the flesh from each half.
Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar into the empty base.
Sprinkle with spices. Place mozzarella halves inside the tomatoes. Garnish with a basil leaf on top.
Tomato salad with mozzarella and avocado
This Tomato Avocado Mozzarella Dish is an easy summer salad that uses just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. This is a fresh, colorful, summer salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 cups
- Fresh Mozzarella – 300 g
- Avocado – 1 pc.
- Basil leaves - 15 pcs.
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Honey - 1 tsp.
- Garlic, chopped - 1 teaspoon
- Spices
Preparation:
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add to a large bowl.
Cut the avocado into cubes about the same size as the cherry tomatoes and add to the bowl.
Add the mozzarella pieces to the bowl with the tomatoes and avocado.
Roughly chop the basil leaves and add to the bowl.
Whisk together dressing ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and avocado in a bowl and toss gently to combine.
Use slightly (but not completely) firm avocados. If you use a very soft avocado, it will simply become mushy in the salad.
Main components
First of all, let's figure out what the main components of numerous salad recipes for the New Year, birthday and other holidays are. That is, let’s find out what sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese look and taste like.
- Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe vegetables that have lost most of their juice through drying in the sun or in the oven or dehydrator. They have a rich sweet and sour taste, thanks to which any salad that includes vegetables becomes piquant and delicious.
- Mozzarella cheese is a classic Italian cheese that has a pleasant creamy and slightly salty taste. It consists of small snow-white balls in brine that look great in a salad, giving it an original look.
However, the beauty of these ingredients is not only in their taste and original form, but also in the fact that they contain a huge amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that will only benefit the body. And the low calorie content of cheese and tomatoes will make the salad they are included in completely safe for the female figure.
Baked tomatoes with mozzarella
A very warm and filling tomato and mozzarella dish makes the perfect base for a healthy summer dinner.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – 4 pcs.
- Mozzarella cheese – 150 g
- Basil - ½ bunch
- Olive oil – 8 tbsp.
Preparation:
Cut the tops off the tomatoes. Cut out the flesh.
Mix the tomato pulp with mozzarella cheese and spices.
Place basil sprigs on top. Drizzle with oil and cover with the tops of the tomatoes.
Place in the oven to bake for 8 minutes.
Interesting appetizer on skewers
A dish made from the following ingredients will look interesting on the holiday table:
- 40 basil leaves;
- 20 cherry tomatoes;
- 20 mini mozzarella balls;
- 2 tbsp. l. olive oil;
- 2 tbsp. l. balsamic vinegar (white);
- 1 pinch of oregano;
- salt and pepper are added to taste.
Main stages of preparation:
- In a deep bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. Mix everything well with a whisk.
- Place the mozzarella into the resulting mass and carefully roll it in the sauce.
- Thread the first ball onto a skewer, then thread the tomato and one basil leaf. We repeat all the steps until we reach the end of the wooden stick.
- We put the appetizer on a beautiful dish and serve it to the table.
It is worth noting that instead of the indicated dressing, you can use Italian pesto sauce (green or pink).
You just need to dilute it a little with olive oil and mix thoroughly with a spatula.
Tomatoes with basil, mozzarella, avocado and balsamic dressing
You'll love this refreshing, healthy Mediterranean-style salad. Made with fresh ingredients, the salad is perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- Red cherry tomatoes – 300 g
- Yellow cherry tomatoes – 300 g
- Avocado, diced – 2 pcs.
- Mozzarella cheese – 20 balls
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil - 1/4 cup
- Balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup
- Honey - 3 tablespoons
- Spices
Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients except mozzarella cheese balls. That is, mix half and half red and yellow grapes or cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped basil.
In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey until smooth.
Add the salad dressing to the large bowl with the salad, sprinkle with a little salt and toss to combine. Add mozzarella cheese balls on top.
Dressing the salad
The next step is refueling. These products on the plate should be sprinkled with a small amount of salt and pepper; if desired, you can add oregano and drizzle with olive oil. After this, carefully place the basil leaves all over the plate, and you can pour a little balsamic vinegar over everything. These spices are classic ones that have been used in Italy for many centuries. But if you want to experiment a little, you can prepare an alternative dressing for the tomato salad with basil and mozzarella.
Preparing the sauce does not take much time and effort; the main condition is the presence of a blender. So, into one bowl you should throw 10-15 basil leaves, thyme, olive oil and just a little rosemary. The entire mixture should be blended in a blender, and then it should be strained through a fine sieve so that the solid parts of the basil do not end up in the dish. Thanks to this simple dressing, caprese gets a new life and acquires a completely different taste, unusual for many people. Therefore, if a person wants something new, then it is definitely recommended to try this dressing.
Bruschetta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
These snacks are pretty easy to make and smell delicious. It is better to use whole, fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – 180 g
- Basil leaves - 1 cup
- Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
- Garlic – 6 cloves
- Spices
- Mozzarella cheese – 200 g
- Bruschetta – 10 slices
Preparation:
Preheat the oven.
In the bowl of a food processor, add half the tomatoes, 1 cup basil leaves, olive oil, and 2 cloves garlic. Beat. Season with salt and pepper.
Place bruschetta slices on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Grate the remaining garlic onto the toasted side of each slice, then top with a piece of mozzarella cheese. Place the bread back in the oven and lightly melt the cheese for about 45 seconds.
Remove from oven and spread one tablespoon of tomato mixture over each slice. Place a slice of remaining tomatoes on top.
Place the bruschetta on a decorative plate and garnish with basil leaves.
What is bruschetta for caprese
This is a ready-made large flatbread, similar to Georgian lavash, Armenian matnakash or Azerbaijani kutabi. They sell ready-made bruschettas, like French loaves, they are cut into pieces, or simply torn by hand, then caprese is applied - and a great breakfast is ready.
In principle, you can make them yourself - take a regular ciabatta, cut it into pieces, fry it in a frying pan - and the bruschetta is ready. Similarly, you can make it from a loaf, bagel or bread - in fact, these are ordinary croutons. They can be dried in the oven or toaster, fried in olive oil in a frying pan, and grated with garlic.
Light tomato salad with mozzarella
This easy tomato mozzarella salad is super refreshing and perfect for a spring or summer side dish. You can also prepare it a few different ways.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil - 3/4 cup
- Garlic – 5 cloves
- Chopped basil - 2 tablespoons
- Parsley - 2 teaspoons
- Oregano
- Red wine vinegar
- Spices
- Chopped red pepper – 1 pc.
- Mozzarella cheese – 16 pcs.
- Balsamic vinegar - 1/2 cup
- Cherry tomatoes – 200 g
- Fresh basil or parsley
Preparation:
Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Mix with mozzarella and leave in the refrigerator covered with film for a day.
Place the balsamic vinegar in the pan and cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Cook until thickened. Pour into a bowl to cool.
Place tomatoes, mozzarella and a splash of marinade in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and stir.
Drizzle with prepared sauce.
Summer unusual-ordinary salad
The peculiarity is the use of ground sweet tomatoes and purple rather than green basil.
You will need:
- sweet tomatoes - 3-4 pieces;
- cheese – 100-150 gr.;
- purple basil - 1 bunch;
- onions - 1-2 medium-sized pieces;
- 1-2 teaspoons grainy mustard;
- flax seeds - to taste;
- mayonnaise - 1.5 tablespoons.
Add onion half rings, chopped basil, French grain mustard, flax seeds and mayonnaise to the tomato slices. All that remains is to mix.
Tomato, mozzarella and cucumber salad
A vegetarian summer salad recipe made with the best summer produce: cucumbers and tomatoes, dressed with a homemade balsamic vinegar dressing.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
- Balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- Spices
- Cucumber - 4 pcs.
- Cherry tomatoes – 300 g
- Mozzarella cheese – 400 g
- Avocado - ½ pc.
- A handful of Italian parsley leaves
Preparation:
Combine all liquid dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Place half the sliced cucumber in a flat oval dish. Stir in the remaining cucumbers and tomatoes. Mix them with avocado cubes and mozzarella cheese.
Drizzle with salad dressing.
Tomatoes with mozzarella and corn
Fresh corn and tomatoes are combined with mozzarella, herbs and a great dressing that makes it even lighter and fresher.
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn - 4 cobs
- Cherry tomatoes – 300 g
- Mozzarella – 100 g
- Basil leaves – 10 pcs.
- Lemon juice - 1/4 cup
- Olive oil - 1/4 cup
- Spices
- Garlic, chopped - 2 cloves
Preparation:
Remove corn from the cob and place in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle with basil. Set aside.
Add fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper to the jar. Shake to combine. Pour dressing over salad. Mix evenly.
Russian version of homemade dried salad
Not all salad recipes for the New Year and other holidays that come to us from other countries can be easily implemented. For example, it is not possible to find sun-dried tomatoes in every store, which, however, cannot be a reason for refusing to prepare an Italian or Brazilian salad, as well as any dish that contains this ingredient. Therefore, now we will try to figure out how to prepare a salad from available ingredients. For this we need:
- a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar;
- 2 red tomatoes;
- 150 grams of cherry tomatoes;
- 100 grams of mozzarella;
- a handful of arugula leaves;
- 120 ml olive oil;
- handful of basil leaves
- a pinch of salt and black pepper.
The first step in preparing a salad with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella is to dry our vegetables. To do this, preheat the oven to 150 °C, place cherry tomatoes cut in half and regular tomatoes cut into slices on a baking sheet, pour 100 ml of oil on them, sprinkle with your favorite spices and place in the oven for half an hour. Then make a dressing from the remaining oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and basil leaves, and cut the mozzarella into slices. After this, combine the tomatoes, cheese and arugula in a bowl, season the salad, mix - and the dish is completely ready.
