Mixed Herb Salad with Olives, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella
An effortless summer side that celebrates bright flavors and fresh garden greens.
Mixed Herb Salad with Olives, Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella
Bursting with the vibrant flavors and colors of the Mediterranean, this mixed herb salad combines the peppery zing of fresh herbs, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the brininess of olives. Tossed together with juicy tomatoes and finished with a tangy dressing, its a celebration of freshness perfect for summer lunches, dinner parties, or as a refreshing appetizer at any meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered flavors: Combining multiple types of fresh herbs, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and milky mozzarella gives every bite depth and excitement.
- Quick to prepare: Most of the prep involves simple chopping and tossing, making this salad fast enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining.
- Flexible ingredients: You can shape this salad around the best herbs and produce you can find, adjusting olive types and tomatoes for whats in season.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Herbs: The soul of this salad. Soft herbs like parsley, basil, mint, chives, and tarragon provide freshness and aromatic complexity. Dont hesitate to use your favorite combination.
- Tomatoes: Use sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for bright color and bursts of flavor. Larger heirloom tomatoes can also provide juicy acidity and visual appeal.
- Olives: Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives add briny bite. Use a mix for the best flavor, but any high-quality olive works well.
- Mozzarella: Creamy, fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) offer a milky counterpoint to acidic and salty elements.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots marry the salads dressing and add a mild onion note.
- Red Wine Vinegar & Olive Oil: The classic duo for a Mediterranean salad, providing sharpness and lusciousness.
Choosing the Best Herbs
The character of the salad changes dramatically based on the herbs you use. Consider a blend of the following:
- Flat-leaf parsley: For a crisp, grassy undertone.
- Basil: Lends sweet, anise flavor; classic in Mediterranean dishes.
- Mint: Adds briskness and lifts the salad, cooling and aromatic.
- Chives or green onion: Delicate onion flavor, balancing richness.
- Tarragon: For a subtle licorice hint (use sparingly).
Experiment with your markets freshest herbs. Avoid tough woody herbs (like rosemary or thyme) unless finely minced or used lightly for aroma.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Mixed Herb Salad
- Prep the Herbs: Wash and spin-dry a generous handful or two of soft herbs. Remove any tough stems and tear or chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes. Slice larger tomatoes into wedges or thick rounds.
- Prepare the Olives: If olives are not pitted, remove pits for easy eating. Slice or leave whole, depending on preference.
- Drain Mozzarella: Remove mozzarella balls from brine and pat dry. Slice into halves if large.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, thinly sliced shallots, salt, and cracked black pepper. Let the shallots macerate for 10 minutes to mellow their bite, then whisk in extra-virgin olive oil.
- Assemble: Gently toss the herbs, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly again right before serving.
- Finish & Serve: Taste for salt and acid, adjusting with more vinegar or olive oil as desired. Serve immediately, ideally with a loaf of crusty bread.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Dry the Herbs Well: Water clinging to herbs can dilute dressing and lead to soggy salad. Use a salad spinner or gently blot with towels.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Mozzarella and tomatoes taste best at room temperature, maximizing flavor.
- Toss Gently: Over-mixing can bruise herbs and break up cheese; use your hands or a large spoon to combine elements delicately.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyones palate is differentdont hesitate to tweak the acidity, seasoning, or oil right before serving.
Ingredient Variations & Swaps
- Cheese: Burrata, ricotta salata, or even tangy goat cheese can replace mozzarella for a new twist.
- Olives: Try Spanish green or oil-cured black olives for a different character. To reduce salt, rinse olives or choose milder varieties.
- Herbs: Use dill, cilantro, or chervil for alternative flavorsjust avoid overwhelming the salad with any single herb.
- Tomatoes: In off-season, use small, sweet grape tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water and olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Standalone Salad: Makes a superb summer starter or light meal with bread.
- Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roast chicken, or simple pasta for a bright note at the table.
- Crostini: Spoon the salad onto toasted baguette slices, making a perfect appetizer bite.
Storing Leftovers
- This salad is best eaten fresh, as the herbs wilt and the tomatoes weep liquid over time.
- If you must store, keep the dressing separate and toss together just before serving. Covered, undressed components keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If leftovers soften, try blending with more olive oil and vinegar for a fresh herb salsa or spoon over grilled meats.
What others are reading
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Common Questions About Mixed Herb Salad
Q: Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
A: The components (herbs, cheese, olives, and tomatoes) can be prepped up to two hours in advance. For best texture, toss together with dressing just before serving.
Q: Whats the best way to pit olives quickly?
A: Smash olives gently with the flat side of a chefs knife or the palm of your hand to loosen the pit, then pull it out. Or buy pre-pitted olives to save time.
Q: Are there ways to make this salad vegan?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based mozzarella or crumbled tofu marinated in olive oil and herbs for creamy texture.
Q: Which herbs should I avoid?
A: Skip woody or very tough herbs (like rosemary and thyme stems) unless used sparingly. Focus on soft, leafy varieties for best results.
Q: Whats the ideal olive oil for this recipe?
A: Choose a vibrant, peppery extra-virgin olive oil with fresh, grassy notes to complement the salads herbs and tomatoes.
Recipe Card: Mixed Herb Salad with Olives, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups mixed soft herbs (parsley, basil, mint, chives, tarragon)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mixed olives (such as Castelvetrano and Kalamata), pitted and halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained and halved
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Method
- In a large salad bowl, combine shallots and vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper. Rest 10 minutes.
- Add olive oil in slow stream, whisking to blend.
- Add herbs, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt, more pepper, or a splash more vinegar as desired. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add leafy greens like arugula or spinach?
A: Yes! Arugula lends a peppery kick while spinach is mellow and tender. Mix in a handful for additional volume and nutrition.
Q: Should I use low-moisture or fresh mozzarella?
A: Fresh mozzarella is ideal—its delicate, creamy texture soaks up the dressing and balances the salad. Low-moisture mozzarella is best reserved for melting applications.
Q: Whats the best bread to serve alongside?
A: A rustic, crusty baguette or Italian country loaf is perfect for sopping up juices. For gluten-free meals, try grilled polenta or crackers instead.
Conclusion: A Salad Celebrating Simplicity
This mixed herb salad with olives, tomatoes, and mozzarella celebrates the best of the Mediterranean—fresh, flavorful, and simple ingredients that shine. Customizable in countless ways, it adapts to your pantry and always delivers a spark of summer, no matter the season. Bring it to your next gathering or enjoy as a quick weeknight meal, and let every forkful remind you of the power of freshness done right.
References
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