Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Last updated on July 21, 2025

Do you ever find yourself craving a salad that’s bright, refreshing, and full of flavor but just can’t bear the thought of a complicated recipe? I hear you! I remember my first attempt at making my Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad. I chopped my veggies with the gusto of a cooking show personality, only to end up with a splatter of juice across my kitchen. I laughed at my small mishap because I knew, regardless of my comedy hour, I was making a delicious meal.

This recipe is designed to be simple and stress-free. Whether you’re a busy parent or just finding your footing in the kitchen, this salad is totally doable, even if it’s your first try. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that will have your family coming back for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe of Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad

I adore this Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad for many reasons. First and foremost, it embodies all that a summer salad should be—colorful, light, and bursting with flavor. I often think of warm afternoons, the scent of fresh basil in the air, and the rush of sweetness that comes from biting into a perfectly ripe nectarine.

One of the best things about this recipe is how approachable it is for beginner cooks. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the thought of making a salad, let this be your guiding light. It’s all about fresh, simple ingredients tossed together to create a dish everyone will love. And it’s not just tasty! With a blend of vitamins and minerals from these ingredients, it’s a wholesome choice for your family.

Plus, there’s something undeniably comforting about a salad made from scratch. You get to control the ingredients, adjust flavors to your liking, and enjoy it immediately. It’s cozy, practical, and feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad

To make this delightful salad, you’ll need a few essentials along with some optional add-ons and substitutions. Here’s the breakdown:

Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad Recipe

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing summer salad that combines sweet nectarines, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and briny Castelvetrano olives. Tossed with a lemony olive oil dressing and topped with basil ribbons, this salad is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
• 2 ripe nectarines: Their natural sweetness complements the tangy dressing and creamy cheese.
• 3/4 cup mozzarella or Ciliegine: Tear regular mozzarella or halve the mini balls for bite-sized pieces.
• 1 medium cucumber (split & seeded): Cut into half-moons for a fresh crunch.
• 1/3 cup Castelvetrano olives (pitted): Brings a mild, buttery brine to balance the sweet fruit.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the salad dressing.
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and contrast.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (loosely packed): Sliced into thin ribbons for a fragrant, herbal note.

Optional Add-Ons

• Quinoa or couscous: Stir in cooked grains for extra bulk and nutrition.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for extra bite and zing.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil.
• Nectarines: Peaches are a great substitute.
• Mozzarella: Swap with feta for a tangier twist.

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Instructions

1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Basil: Stack, roll, and slice basil leaves into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
3. Slice the Nectarines: Cut into 1/2-inch slices for even distribution.
4. Prep the Tomatoes: Slice half the cherry tomatoes in half and leave the rest whole for variety in texture.
5. Cut the Cucumber: Cut into seeded, 1/2-inch thick half-moons.
6. Halve the Olives: Cut Castelvetrano olives in half.
7. Tear the Mozzarella: Tear mozzarella or halve Ciliegine for bite-sized pieces.
8. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine nectarines, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, and basil.
9. Add the Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until well coated.
10. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh, ideally with crusty bread.

Notes

• Make-ahead tip: Prep all ingredients except for the nectarines and basil. Add them just before serving for best texture.
• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
• Customize: Add grains or protein (like grilled chicken) to turn it into a main course.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: cherry tomato nectarine mozzarella salad, summer fruit salad, tomato and stone fruit salad, no-cook summer salad, cucumber tomato peach salad

Essentials

1. 1 pint cherry tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties add a pop of flavor and color.
2. 2 ripe nectarines: They offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the salty mozzarella.
3. 3/4 cup mozzarella or Ciliegine: Feel free to use regular mozzarella or those delightful mini balls!
4. 1 medium cucumber (split & seeded): Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
5. 1/3 cup Castelvetrano olives (pitted): These add a unique taste and salinity.
6. 1/4 cup olive oil: This will serve as the dressing’s base.
7. 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Just the right touch of acidity to brighten everything up.
8. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes: To enhance the flavors.
9. 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper: A little kick to balance it all.
10. 1/4 cup fresh basil (loosely packed): This herbal addition is a game-changer.

Optional Add-Ons

1. Quinoa or couscous: Stir in a cooked grain for extra heartiness.
2. Avocado: For a creamier texture and healthy fats.
3. Red onion: Thinly sliced for some added zing.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• Olive oil: You can swap with avocado oil if preferred.
• Nectarines: Peaches work splendidly if nectarines are unavailable.
• Mozzarella: Feta cheese can be a tangy alternative.

How to Make Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Here’s your detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing this Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad:

1. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the fresh-squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt flakes, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk them together until they emulsify and blend well. This will be your vibrant dressing. Set it aside for now.

2. Chop the Basil: Time to prepare that fresh basil! Stack the leaves, roll them tightly into a bundle, and slice them crosswise using a sharp knife. This technique is known as chiffonade, and it will create beautiful, thin ribbons of basil. Set this aside too.

3. Slice the Nectarines: Grab your nectarines and slice them into 1/2-inch thick slices. The key here is to ensure uniformity for even distribution in your salad.

4. Cherry Tomatoes: For the tomatoes, slice half of them in half and keep the other half whole to maintain texture and juice in the salad.

5. Cucumber Prep: Take that seeded cucumber and cut it into 1/2-inch thick half-moons. This shape adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

6. Olives: Cut the pitted Castelvetrano olives in half. Their briny flavor will complement the sweetness of the nectarines wonderfully.

7. Mozzarella: Tear the mozzarella into smaller chunks or the Ciliegine in half if you’re using the small balls. This adds a creamy element to your dish.

8. Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced nectarines, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and basil ribbons. Add in the torn mozzarella as well.

9. Dress the Salad: Pour your prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated in that lovely lemony sauce.

10. Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper to your liking.

11. Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it immediately, and if you want to elevate it even further, pair it with a big hunk of crusty bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When whipping up this Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Let’s break them down.

Over-Seasoning

It can be easy to get carried away with seasoning. Remember that the ingredients already have flavors of their own, especially the olives and cheese. Start with a little salt and pepper; you can always add more later!

Not Using Fresh Ingredients

For a salad like this, freshness is key. Opt for ripe nectarines, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. They’ll make a world of difference in the taste and overall enjoyment of the salad.

Cutting Uniformity

While it’s tempting to rush through chopping, try to slice your fruits and veggies into similar sizes. This not only looks better but ensures an even texture in every bite.

Skipping the Dressing

Don’t overlook the dressing, as it ties everything together! Properly mixing and then letting it sit for a moment before tossing it with the salad helps enhance the flavors.

Easy Variations for Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad

Feeling adventurous? Here are some easy variations to switch things up while making your Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad.

Add Protein

Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for some extra protein. It transforms the salad into a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Nuts and Seeds

Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving. This gives your salad a satisfying crunch and further enhances the flavor profile.

Bright Zest

For an extra zing, try adding lemon or lime zest to the dressing. It lifts the flavor and makes for a vibrant dish.

Seasonal Fruits

Depending on the time of year, seasonal fruits can add a unique spin. Try adding diced strawberries in the summer or apple slices in the fall.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad

This Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Let’s explore some great serving suggestions.

As a Side Dish

Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for a colorful and refreshing side. It complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Appetizer

Present smaller portions in elegant bowls as a starter for dinner parties. It’s a sure way to impress your guests!

Lunch Bowl

Pair it with quinoa or couscous for a filling lunch bowl. It’s a great way to turn your salad into a heartier meal.

Picnic Delight

This salad travels well, making it a fantastic choice for picnics or potlucks. Pack it up in a container, and you’re ready to go!

Conclusion

Congratulations on deciding to make your very own Cherry Tomato Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad! As you can see, it’s easier than it looks, and the freedom to customize makes it a winner every time. This salad is not only cozy and classic but also beginner-approved. I encourage you to give it a try and see how you can make it your own.

If you’re excited to dive into this fresh and flavorful dish, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below!

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