BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the vibrant, smoky flavors of BJ’s tomato mozzarella salad at BJ’s Brewhouse, you know it’s more than just a typical caprese.

This bjs mozzarella and tomato salad features charred cherry tomatoes and bell peppers that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The secret lies in the anchovy-enhanced dressing and the charring technique that caramelizes the tomatoes while keeping them juicy.

Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant experience or discovering this fresh mozzarella and tomato salad bjs style for the first time, this homemade version delivers that same bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavor you crave.

What Does It Taste Like?

BJ’s fresh mozzarella and tomato salad offers a beautiful balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. The charred cherry tomatoes burst with sweet, concentrated tomato essence, while the roasted red bell peppers add a subtle smokiness and gentle crunch.

Creamy mozzarella provides richness that mellows the bright acidity from red wine vinegar and lemon juice. Fresh basil contributes herbaceous notes, and the anchovy-garlic dressing adds umami depth without tasting fishy.

The smoked paprika and red pepper flakes deliver gentle warmth, making this bj’s caprese salad variation complex yet perfectly harmonious with every bite.

BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1 garlic clove, mashed into a paste with ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 anchovy fillets, minced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Salad:

• 1 lb cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil (divided, for tomatoes & peppers)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (divided, ½ tsp each for tomatoes and peppers)

Kitchen Utensils

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Mortar and pestle or fork (for garlic paste)
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Serving platter

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4-6 servings

BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing Mash 1 garlic clove with ¼ tsp kosher salt using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife until it forms a smooth paste. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp + 2 tsp red wine vinegar, 2 tsp lemon juice, 3 minced anchovies, 2 tsp minced fresh thyme, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp salt until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Char the Cherry Tomatoes Toss 1 lb cherry tomatoes with 2 tsp olive oil and ½ tsp kosher salt in a bowl until evenly coated. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes to ensure even heat distribution. Add the seasoned tomatoes and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a char. Stir gently, then cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered, slightly softened, and releasing their juices.

Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper into strips. Toss with 2 tsp olive oil and ½ tsp kosher salt. Add the peppers to the same hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened but still maintain some crispness and have light char marks.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors Immediately transfer the hot charred cherry tomatoes with bell peppers and mozzarella into the bowl with the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables in the anchovy-herb dressing. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors while they cool to the perfect serving temperature.

Step 5: Add Fresh Elements and Serve Tear ½ cup fresh basil leaves and 8 oz fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Add both to the dressed vegetables and toss gently to combine, being careful not to break the mozzarella too much. Transfer the bj’s tomato and mozzarella salad to a serving platter. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Grilled Protein Addition Transform this bjs tomato mozzarella salad recipe into a complete meal by topping it with BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, seared shrimp, or pan-fried halloumi cheese. The smoky char from grilled proteins complements the charred vegetables beautifully, while the protein absorbs the flavorful dressing.

2. Crusty Bread Pairing Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread, ciabatta, or garlic toast to soak up the delicious anchovy-infused dressing. You can also create crostini by toasting baguette slices and spooning the salad on top for an elegant appetizer presentation.

3. Burrata Upgrade Replace regular fresh mozzarella with creamy burrata cheese for an even more luxurious version of this bj’s fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. When you cut into the burrata, the creamy center will mix with the dressing, creating an incredibly rich and indulgent experience.

4. Grain Bowl Base Serve this charred cherry tomatoes with bell peppers and mozzarella over a bed of quinoa, farro, or couscous for a hearty Mediterranean grain bowl. The warm grains absorb the dressing beautifully and add satisfying texture and substance.

5. Pizza or Flatbread Topping Use this salad as a fresh topping for homemade pizza or grilled flatbread after baking. The contrast between the hot, crispy crust and the room-temperature salad creates an exciting textural experience reminiscent of Italian pizza margherita with a twist.

6. Pasta Integration Toss this bj’s caprese salad with warm pasta like penne, farfalle, or orecchiette for a quick dinner. The heat from the pasta will slightly melt the mozzarella, and the dressing will coat every piece beautifully, creating a simple yet impressive pasta dish.

7. Wine Pairing Suggestions Pair this salad with a crisp Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the acidity and fresh flavors. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Chianti or Barbera works wonderfully with the tomatoes and won’t overpower the delicate mozzarella.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Preheat Your Cast Iron Properly The key to achieving that authentic BJ’s Brewhouse char on your tomatoes is a properly heated cast iron skillet. Heat it for a full 10 minutes over medium heat before adding vegetables. A properly preheated pan creates immediate contact heat that chars the exterior while keeping the interior juicy, essential for this bjs mozzarella and tomato salad.

2. Don’t Skip the Anchovies Even if you think you don’t like anchovies, don’t skip them in this bj’s tomato mozzarella salad recipe. When minced and whisked into the dressing, they dissolve completely and add incredible umami depth and complexity without any fishy taste. They’re the secret ingredient that makes the dressing taste restaurant-quality.

3. Use High-Quality Fresh Mozzarella Invest in genuine fresh mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte) rather than low-moisture mozzarella. The creamy, milky texture of fresh mozzarella is essential to this fresh mozzarella and tomato salad bjs recipe. Look for mozzarella packed in water or brine, and drain it well before tearing.

4. Master the Garlic Paste Technique Mashing garlic with salt creates a smooth paste that distributes evenly throughout the dressing without harsh raw garlic bites. The salt acts as an abrasive to break down the garlic cells, releasing more flavor and creating a mellow, less pungent taste that won’t overpower the other ingredients.

5. Respect the Resting Time The 30-minute resting period isn’t optional it’s when the magic happens. During this time, the warm vegetables absorb the dressing flavors, the tomatoes release more of their juices to thin the dressing naturally, and everything reaches the ideal serving temperature. Rushing this step results in a less cohesive, less flavorful salad.

6. Tear, Don’t Cut Tear the basil and mozzarella by hand rather than cutting with a knife. Tearing creates irregular edges that catch and hold more dressing, plus it prevents the basil from bruising and turning black (which happens when cut with metal). This traditional technique is used in authentic Italian caprese preparations.

7. Season in Layers Notice how this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe seasons the tomatoes, peppers, and dressing separately. This layering technique ensures every component is properly seasoned rather than relying on the dressing alone. It creates depth of flavor that distinguishes restaurant-quality dishes from home cooking.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover bj’s tomato and mozzarella salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mozzarella and tomatoes will continue to release moisture, so the salad becomes saucier over time. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor reheating isn’t recommended as it will make the mozzarella rubbery and diminish the fresh taste.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make BJ’s tomato mozzarella salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and char the vegetables up to 4 hours ahead, but wait to add the mozzarella and basil until just before serving. The cheese will become too soft if added too early, and the basil will darken. Store the dressed vegetables at room temperature (not refrigerated) if serving within 4 hours for the best texture.

What can I substitute for anchovies in this recipe?

If you absolutely cannot use anchovies, substitute with 1 tablespoon of capers (minced) plus ½ teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. While this won’t replicate the exact umami depth of anchovies in this bjs tomato mozzarella salad recipe, it provides a similar savory, salty complexity to the dressing.

Why do my cherry tomatoes split or explode when charring?

Tomatoes split when they’re cooked at too high heat or moved around too much initially. Make sure your heat is medium (not medium-high), and resist the urge to stir them during the first 4 minutes. This allows the skin to char and toughen slightly, which helps contain the juices better when you do stir them.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?

While you can technically use low-moisture mozzarella, it won’t give you the authentic bj’s fresh mozzarella and tomato salad experience. Regular mozzarella has a rubbery texture and doesn’t have the creamy, milky richness that makes this salad special. Fresh mozzarella is truly essential for this recipe’s success.

What’s the best way to mash garlic into a paste?

Use a mortar and pestle for the most control, or place peeled garlic on a cutting board, sprinkle with salt, and use the flat side of a chef’s knife to press and smear the garlic repeatedly until it forms a paste. The salt acts as an abrasive and also draws out moisture, helping break down the garlic more effectively.

Can I grill the tomatoes and peppers instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling works beautifully for this charred cherry tomatoes with bell peppers and mozzarella salad. Use a grill basket for the tomatoes to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill over medium-high heat until charred and blistered. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra dimension to the dish.

Is this salad served hot, warm, or cold?

This bj’s caprese salad is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, which is why the 30-minute resting period is crucial. Serving it cold (straight from the refrigerator) mutes the flavors and makes the mozzarella less creamy. Room temperature allows all the flavors to shine and the cheese to maintain its ideal texture.

What type of red wine vinegar should I use?

Use a quality red wine vinegar that’s not too harsh or acidic. Look for one with 5-6% acidity rather than the stronger 7-8% varieties. Italian red wine vinegar tends to have a smoother, more complex flavor that works beautifully in this Mediterranean-style dressing.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Charred zucchini, yellow bell peppers, or red onions work wonderfully. You could also add arugula for peppery bite or roasted garlic cloves for extra sweetness. Just maintain the ratio of vegetables to mozzarella so the salad doesn’t become too heavy or lose its creamy balance.

How do I know when my cast iron is hot enough?

Test your skillet by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water immediately sizzles and evaporates within 2-3 seconds, your pan is ready for the tomatoes. If water just sits there, keep heating. This temperature is crucial for achieving the proper char on your bjs mozzarella and tomato salad vegetables.

Why does the recipe call for smoked paprika specifically?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the charred flavor of the vegetables without adding heat. Regular paprika would provide color but not the depth of flavor that makes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe taste so complex and restaurant-quality. Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) is ideal.

Can I make this salad without the resting period?

While you technically can serve it immediately, you’ll miss out on significant flavor development. The resting time allows the hot vegetables to infuse the dressing with their juices, the flavors to meld together, and the temperature to reach the ideal serving point. It’s worth the wait for this bj’s tomato mozzarella salad.

This bjs tomato mozzarella salad recipe brings the beloved BJ’s Brewhouse experience right into your kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques. The combination of charred vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and that umami-rich anchovy dressing creates layers of flavor that elevate this beyond an ordinary caprese salad. Whether you’re serving it as an impressive appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for grilled meats, this fresh mozzarella and tomato salad bjs style is sure to become a summer favorite. Give it a try and taste why this restaurant dish has such a devoted following!

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