Marinated Tomatoes with Mozzarella

 

🍅 Marinated Tomatoes with Mozzarella – A Simple Dish That Steals the Show

When it comes to summer salads or easy appetizers, few things can compete with the timeless combo of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. But take it up a notch by marinating the tomatoes, and you’ve got a dish that’s not just delicious — it’s unforgettable.

Say hello to Marinated Tomatoes with Mozzarella — a light, refreshing, and ridiculously flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort and maximum reward.

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🌿 Why You'll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Quick & Easy – 10 minutes of prep, no cooking required

• ✅ Fresh & Flavorful – Perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something light

• ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling

• ✅ Versatile – Great as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch

• ✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Fancy enough for guests, simple enough for everyday meals

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🍅 Ingredients

(Serves 4–6 as a side or appetizer)

• 4–5 ripe tomatoes (cherry, grape, or heirloom all work beautifully)

• 1 ball (8 oz / 225g) fresh mozzarella or mozzarella pearls

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

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🥣 Instructions

1. Slice the Tomatoes

If using larger tomatoes, slice them into rounds or wedges. For cherry or grape tomatoes, just cut them in half.

2. Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and (optional) red pepper flakes.

3. Marinate

Place the tomatoes in a large bowl or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge — the longer, the better!

4. Add Mozzarella

Tear or slice the mozzarella and add it to the marinated tomatoes just before serving. Gently toss again.

5. Finish with Fresh Basil

Sprinkle torn basil leaves on top and serve immediately.

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🍽️ How to Serve

• On a platter with crusty bread or crostini

• As a side salad for grilled meats or seafood

• Layered in a sandwich or wrap

• Tossed with pasta for a cold pasta salad twist

• Served over greens for a light, refreshing lunch

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💡 Pro Tips

• Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes — This dish is all about the freshness!

• Buffalo mozzarella or burrata? Even creamier and dreamier.

• Make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

• Double the marinade and use leftovers as salad dressing — it’s that good.

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🧊 Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you’re prepping ahead, marinate the tomatoes separately and add the mozzarella and basil just before serving.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Fresh, juicy, creamy, and tangy — Marinated Tomatoes with Mozzarella is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or long ingredient lists to make something truly special. It’s a celebration of simplicity and seasonal ingredients — and once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

So go ahead… slice, marinate, and enjoy every bite.

Warning: you might want to double the batch — it disappears fast. 😉