BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the vibrant, garden-fresh flavors at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, you know their tomato mozzarella salad is something special.

This BJ’s tomato mozzarella salad brings together juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, crisp cucumber, and buttery avocado in a simple balsamic dressing that lets each ingredient shine.

The fresh mozzarella and tomato salad BJs serves inspired this homemade version that captures the same restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen with garlic sauce. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a healthy dinner option, this BJ’s fresh mozzarella and tomato salad delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavors that are both satisfying and nourishing.

What Does It Taste Like?

The BJs mozzarella and tomato salad offers a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes burst with freshness while creamy mozzarella pearls provide a mild, milky richness.

The crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, and ripe avocado contributes a buttery smoothness that ties everything together. Aromatic basil leaves infuse the salad with an herbal brightness, while the balsamic vinegar dressing brings a tangy sweetness with subtle garlic undertones.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and acidic notes similar to a classic Caprese salad but with added dimensions from the cucumber and avocado.

BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ large English cucumber (or 3 small garden cucumbers), sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or equivalent, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Fresh basil leaves (chiffonade cut)

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or pressed

Kitchen Utensils

• Serrated knife
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Small dish for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes using a serrated knife. For a faster method, sandwich them between two plastic lids and slice through with the knife. Transfer the halved tomatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumber Slice ½ an English cucumber (or 3 small garden cucumbers) into quarters lengthwise, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Step 3: Dice the Avocado Dice 1 ripe avocado by halving it, removing the pit, peeling the skin, and chopping the flesh into cubes. Add to the salad bowl.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Toss in 8 oz of fresh mozzarella pearls. If using larger mozzarella balls or a block of mozzarella, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces before adding.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Basil Stack and roll several fresh basil leaves into a tight log. Slice into thin ribbons (a chiffonade cut) using a sharp knife. Avoid chopping again to preserve freshness and prevent bruising. Add the basil ribbons to the salad.

Step 6: Make the Balsamic Dressing In a small dish, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 pressed or finely minced garlic clove. Let the mixture sit briefly for the flavors to develop and meld together.

Step 7: Toss and Serve Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine. Make sure everything is coated evenly without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!

Customization and Pairing Ideas

1. Add Protein for a Complete Meal Transform this BJ’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe into a hearty main course by topping it with grilled chicken breast, seared shrimp, or pan-fried salmon. The light balsamic dressing complements proteins beautifully without overpowering their flavors.

2. Mediterranean Twist Incorporate Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese alongside the mozzarella for a Greek-inspired variation. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.

3. Summer Stone Fruit Addition During peak summer months, add sliced peaches, nectarines, or fresh strawberries to create a sweet-savory contrast that elevates the tomato and mozzarella combination. The fruit pairs wonderfully with the balsamic vinegar.

4. Caprese-Style Presentation For an elegant appetizer, arrange the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in alternating layers on a platter rather than tossing everything together. Drizzle with the dressing and add the cucumber and avocado on the side.

5. Grain Bowl Base Serve the fresh mozzarella and tomato salad over a bed of quinoa, farro, or couscous for added substance and fiber. This turns the salad into a satisfying grain bowl perfect for meal prep.

6. Pizza Topping Use this salad mixture as a fresh topping for grilled pizza or flatbread. Add it after baking for a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm crust similar to a white pizza with fresh toppings.

7. Perfect Pairings This BJ’s tomato and mozzarella salad pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, garlic breadsticks, or crostini for scooping. It also complements grilled meats, pasta dishes, or serves as a refreshing side to rich entrees like lasagna or chicken parmesan.

Expert Tips

1. Choose Ripe, Quality Tomatoes The success of this salad depends heavily on your tomatoes. Select firm, ripe cherry tomatoes with deep color and no blemishes. Vine-ripened or heirloom varieties offer superior sweetness and flavor compared to standard grocery store options. Room temperature tomatoes taste better than cold ones.

2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Mozzarella Authentic fresh mozzarella makes a significant difference in taste and texture. Look for mozzarella stored in brine or water, which indicates freshness. Avoid pre-shredded or low-moisture mozzarella, as it lacks the creamy, delicate texture that defines this BJs mozzarella and tomato salad.

3. Prevent Avocado Browning To keep your avocado looking fresh and green, toss it with a small squeeze of lemon juice before adding it to the salad. The citric acid slows oxidation. Alternatively, add the avocado just before serving for the best appearance.

4. Don’t Overdress the Salad Start with less dressing than you think you need you can always add more. Overdressing can make the salad soggy and overwhelm the fresh flavors. Toss gently and taste before adding additional dressing.

5. Serve Immediately This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The salt in the dressing will draw moisture from the tomatoes and cucumbers over time, creating excess liquid. The avocado will also begin to brown. If you must prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

6. Cut Ingredients Uniformly Ensure all your vegetables and mozzarella are cut into similar bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience. Uniform pieces mean every forkful contains a balanced mix of ingredients and flavors.

7. Elevate with Balsamic Glaze For restaurant-style presentation reminiscent of the BJ’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe, drizzle a balsamic glaze reduction over the finished salad. The thicker, sweeter glaze adds visual appeal and concentrated flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though texture and appearance will decline. The avocado may brown and excess liquid will accumulate. This salad is not suitable for freezing or reheating.

Common Queries and FAQs

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

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

You can prep the individual components up to 4 hours ahead cut the tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella and store them separately in the refrigerator. Keep the basil, avocado, and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Assemble and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture and freshest appearance.

What type of mozzarella works best for this recipe?

Fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are ideal for this BJ’s fresh mozzarella and tomato salad because they’re pre-portioned and require no cutting. However, you can also use larger fresh mozzarella balls or a block cut into bite-sized cubes. Avoid using shredded or low-moisture mozzarella, as it won’t provide the same creamy texture.

Can I substitute regular cucumbers for English cucumber?

Absolutely! English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, but regular garden cucumbers work fine. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado with a small amount of lemon or lime juice immediately after cutting. The citric acid slows the oxidation process. Alternatively, add the avocado just before serving for the brightest green color and freshest taste.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?

Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar make suitable substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly. For a closer match to balsamic’s sweetness, add a small pinch of sugar to your alternative vinegar. Lemon juice also works for a brighter, more citrusy dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes! This BJs mozzarella and tomato salad is naturally both gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. It’s also keto-friendly and low-carb, containing mostly healthy fats, vegetables, and protein.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Bell peppers, red onion, radishes, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions. Just ensure any additions complement rather than overpower the delicate balance between the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

What’s the best way to cut basil without bruising it?

Use a sharp knife and the chiffonade technique: stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly into a cigar shape, then slice across the roll to create thin ribbons. A sharp blade prevents bruising and maintains the basil’s bright green color and fresh aroma.

How many calories are in this salad?

Each serving contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on portion size and exact ingredient measurements. The majority of calories come from the healthy fats in the olive oil, avocado, and mozzarella, making this a nutritious, satisfying option.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is essential for achieving the authentic taste of the BJ’s tomato and mozzarella salad. Dried basil lacks the aromatic, peppery flavor that fresh basil provides. If you absolutely must substitute, use Italian parsley or fresh cilantro instead, though the flavor will differ.

What wine pairs well with this salad?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light rosé complements the fresh flavors beautifully. The acidity in these wines mirrors the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, while their light body doesn’t overpower the delicate mozzarella.

How do I know if my avocado is ripe enough?

A ripe avocado yields to gentle pressure when squeezed but isn’t mushy. The skin should be dark (for Hass avocados) and may have a slightly pebbly texture. If you remove the small stem at the top and see green underneath, it’s ready to use.

This homemade BJ’s tomato mozzarella salad brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of your favorite restaurant dish straight to your table.

With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, crisp cucumber, and buttery avocado all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing, you’ve got a versatile dish that works as a light meal or elegant side.

The beauty of this BJ’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe lies in its simplicity quality ingredients shine when treated with care. Give it a try tonight and discover why this fresh, healthy salad has become such a beloved menu item!

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