Bruschetta-Style Cherry Tomato Salad
How To Make Cherry Tomato Salad

I love tomato season! I can't get enough of vine-ripened tomatoes. My husband and I eat tomatoes in some form every night during this season. Use fresh vine-ripened tomatoes either from your own garden of buy them at your local Farmer's Market. Forget those bland-tasting tomatoes from your super market.

Bruschetta-Style Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

Recipe Type: Salad and Salad Dressing, Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Capers
Yields: serves many
Prep time: 15 min

Ingredients:

I can't give you exact amounts for this recipe, as I just go into my garden and pick as many cherry tomatoes as I have or want. I then add the other ingredients according to how many cherry tomatoes I have. Be creative with this recipe. So simple to make and so delicious!

Fresh vine-ripened cherry tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces*
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
Basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice (your choice)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt or sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

* Purchase Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese Making Kits, and Mozzarella Cheese Slicers at What's Cooking America's Cooking Store.

Preparation:

Halve the cherry tomatoes. Place the halved cherry tomatoes and the mozzarella cheese in a serving bowl.

NOTE: I like to place the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and the dressing ingredients in a large re-sealable bag until ready to serve. This is a very easy way to marinate the cherry tomatoes, as you just turn the bag over several times before serving. When ready to serve, place the mixture in your serving bowl.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, basil, capers, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the tomato/mozzarella cheese mixture. Cover and let set at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

Serve at room temperature.