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This Easy Avocado Tomato & Mozzarella Salad stands out as a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances creamy, juicy, and tangy flavors.
The combination of ripe avocados and fresh mozzarella pearls delivers a rich source of healthy fats and protein, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.
Tomatoes add a burst of natural sweetness and are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, while fresh basil brings aromatic freshness and a hint of herbaceous complexity.
The homemade balsamic glaze ties everything together with its tangy-sweet depth, enhancing the salad without overpowering its fresh ingredients.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and packed with fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado, making it a smart choice for clean-eating enthusiasts.
Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
The balance of textures and flavors ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits beautifully into Mediterranean or Italian-inspired diets.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Nonstick Saucepan
Essential for gently simmering and reducing the balsamic vinegar into a luscious glaze without sticking or burning. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for sauces, custards, and delicate reductions.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Crucial for evenly halving cherry tomatoes and dicing avocados with precision and minimal mess. A versatile tool, it’s a kitchen staple for all chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks.
Mixing Bowl
A large, sturdy bowl provides ample space to combine ingredients and toss the salad gently without spilling. It’s indispensable for salads, batters, and marinating.
Measuring Cups
Accuracy matters when preparing the balsamic glaze, so measuring cups ensure the vinegar is perfectly portioned. Useful in any recipe that requires precise liquid or dry ingredient amounts.
Avocado Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Equipment
- 1 Nonstick Saucepan
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups (1/3 cup and 1/2 cup)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 2 medium ripe avocados peeled and diced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls small balls
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a medium nonstick saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Let the vinegar cook down for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn; you want it to reduce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon lightly. Once done, transfer the glaze to a small bowl and chill in the refrigerator until fully cooled.
- Combine the Fresh Ingredients: While the glaze cools, place the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil into a large mixing bowl. These fresh ingredients create a beautiful medley of flavors and textures.
- Dress and Season the Salad: Once your balsamic glaze has cooled and thickened, drizzle it over the combined ingredients. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the glaze coats the salad evenly without mashing the delicate avocado.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right away to appreciate the fresh, vibrant flavors and creamy textures. Serve it as a refreshing side dish for warm-weather meals, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Notes
- Sweeten the Glaze: For a sweeter balsamic glaze, stir in one tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar before simmering. This adds a subtle caramelized sweetness to complement the salad.
- Store-Bought Option: If short on time, you can substitute the homemade glaze with 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite store-bought balsamic glaze. Just adjust the amount to taste.
- Avocado Tips: Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed. Handle gently during mixing.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the balsamic glaze up to two days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Add to the salad right before serving for best freshness.
Chef’s Secrets to Elevate Flavor
The secret to this salad’s irresistible flavor lies in the balsamic glaze.
Taking the time to reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat concentrates its natural sweetness and adds a luxurious thickness that clings beautifully to the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes.
For a subtle sweetness, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the glaze before simmering — this balances acidity without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
When choosing your mozzarella, fresh pearls or bocconcini work best for their tender texture and mild flavor, complementing rather than overwhelming the salad.
Lastly, always use ripe yet firm avocados to ensure creamy bites that hold their shape during tossing.
Toss the salad gently with a light hand to avoid mashing the avocado, preserving its delightful texture and appearance.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This salad shines as a light and refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or seafood, making it perfect for summer barbecues and casual dinners.
For a heartier meal, try serving it atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside toasted crusty bread brushed with garlic and olive oil.
The bright basil and tangy glaze pair wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta primavera.
At parties or potlucks, serve the salad in a large bowl or in individual cups for easy sharing.
Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also add texture and enhance the flavor profile.
Best Practices for Storing Salad
Because this salad features delicate fresh ingredients like avocado and mozzarella, it’s best enjoyed immediately for optimal taste and texture.
If you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and balsamic glaze separate in airtight containers.
Refrigerate the salad without dressing to prevent the avocado from browning and becoming mushy.
Before serving again, give the glaze a quick stir and drizzle over the salad just before eating.
Leftover balsamic glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks and used as a flavorful drizzle on vegetables, grilled meats, or even desserts.
Commonly Asked Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use bottled balsamic glaze instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought balsamic glaze works well and saves time. Just adjust the amount to taste since some brands can be sweeter or more intense.
Q2: How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?
Use ripe but firm avocados and add the glaze right before serving. Storing the salad undressed in an airtight container also helps delay browning.
Q3: Can I substitute fresh mozzarella pearls?
Yes, small bocconcini or even sliced fresh mozzarella balls work great. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella as it lacks moisture and texture.
Q4: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep flavors and textures intact.
Q5: What other herbs can I use besides basil?
Try fresh oregano or mint for a different twist—both bring unique aromatic notes that pair nicely with the creamy avocado and tangy glaze.
This recipe is inspired by kaleforniakravings and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.