Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Mint Pesto Recipe
A fresh and vibrant appetizer featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy fresh mozzarella and a bright, homemade mint pesto. This dish combines herbaceous flavors with citrus and pine nuts, perfect for a light starter or a refreshing snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-3 as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes & sprouts for garnish
Mint Pesto
- A huge handful of fresh mint leaves
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
- ¼ – ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint Pesto: In a small food processor, combine the mint, basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil gradually while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Slice Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Carefully slice the heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella ball into even slices. Arrange them attractively on a serving plate.
- Season and Dress: Lightly season the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella with salt and pepper. Then drizzle the freshly made mint pesto generously over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with sprouts for added flavor and presentation.
- Store Extra Pesto: Transfer any leftover mint pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for several days, perfect for spreading on bread or adding to other dishes.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the mozzarella cheese and simply drizzle the sliced tomatoes with the mint pesto.
- Alternatively, replace the cheese with sliced avocado for creamy texture and richness.
