We have compiled a list of the 10 best accompaniments for this delicious Italian dish.
From simple garlic bread and vegetables to elaborate sides like antipasto platters and gazpacho soup, there is an option that will please everyone at your table.
Paired with just the right ingredients, you can turn an ordinary plate of tomatoes and cheese into a great meal. Not sure where to start?
This blog post will break down all the options in detail - complete with recipes - so you can craft the perfect paired plate for guests or your family!
10 Best Sides to Serve with Tomato Mozzarella Salad
1. Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from grape juice that has been cooked down and then aged in wooden barrels.
It has a deep, rich flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken.
The acidity of the balsamic vinegar will help to tenderize the chicken and the natural sweetness will balance out the smokiness from the grill.
When choosing a balsamic vinegar, look for one that is labeled "tradizionale" or "aged".
These types of balsamic vinegars have been aged for at least 12 years and have a more complex flavor.
Avoid balsamic vinegars that are labeled "condimento" as these are only meant to be used as a finishing sauce and will not stand up to the heat of the grill.
To improve this dish, try serving the grilled chicken with balsamic vinegar on a bed of arugula or mixed greens.
The peppery greens will go with the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and the grilled chicken will add a nice smoky flavor.
2. Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon
Shrimp is a classic option that always hits the spot.
The reason why shrimp works so well with this dish is because of its delicate taste and texture.
Plus, when you add garlic and lemon to shrimp, it really improves the flavors and makes for a truly delicious dish.
If you're looking to switch things up a bit, you could also try scallops or salmon.
Both of these options have a similar taste and texture to shrimp, so they will pair well with the tomato mozzarella salad.
And if you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try crayfish.
3. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Tomato
This quinoa salad is a great option if you're looking for something healthy and flavorful.
It's perfect for summertime picnics and barbecues, or even just as a light lunch.
The quinoa provides a nice base for the avocado and tomato, and the lime dressing ties everything together.
As far as taste and texture go, this salad is really refreshing and satisfying.
The quinoa has a bit of a crunch to it, while the avocado is creamy and smooth.
The tomatoes add a nice pop of sweetness, and the lime dressing gives it a little bit of acidity.
Overall, it's a really well-rounded dish. There are a few things you can do to improve this dish even further.
First, try adding some chopped cilantro or mint to the mix.
This will give it an extra boost of flavor.
You could also add some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top.
And finally, if you want a little bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeño peppers.
4. Farro Salad with Grilled Vegetables
This dish is a great option for those who are looking for something hearty, but still light and refreshing.
The farro provides a nice chewy texture, while the grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor that is perfect for summertime.
To make this dish even more delicious, try adding some fresh herbs or goat cheese to the mix.
5. Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato
This Kale salad with roasted sweet potato is a great option for a light lunch or dinner.
The kale is packed with nutrients and the sweet potato adds some sweetness and creaminess to the dish.
The dish is also simple to make and can be easily adapted to your liking.
The key to making this dish taste great is to massage the kale leaves before adding them to the salad.
This helps to soften the kale and make it more palatable.
You can also add other greens to the salad if you prefer, such as spinach or arugula.
The roasted sweet potato can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.
To improve this dish, you can add additional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, or roasted nuts.
You can also serve the salad with a side of bread or crackers.
6. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese salad is a simple and delicious dish that can be made in under 10 minutes.
It consists of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which are all layered on top of each other.
The salad is then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity.
The three main ingredients all have different textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.
The tomatoes are juicy and acidic, the mozzarella is creamy and mild, and the basil adds a hint of sweetness.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish.
One option is to grill or roast the tomatoes before adding them to the salad.
This will give them a smoky flavor that pairs well with the mozzarella.
Another option is to add some chopped up pancetta or prosciutto for a bit of salty flavor.
Lastly, you could drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze instead of just plain balsamic vinegar.
This will add a touch of sweetness and make the dish even more irresistible.
7. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Arugula salad is a simple and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.
The peppery greens are paired with a variety of other ingredients to create a unique flavor and texture.
Arugula salad is often made with shaved Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty and savory component to the dish.
To improve this dish, consider adding some roasted cherry tomatoes or roasted beet slices.
The sweetness of the roasted vegetables will go with the bitterness of the arugula perfectly.
If you're looking for some extra protein, grilled chicken or salmon would be a good addition to this salad.
For a final touch, drizzle the salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon juice.
8. Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese
A simple salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal.
The combination of the juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and salty feta is a classic flavor combination that never gets old.
This salad is best when made with fresh, in-season vegetables.
Look for tomatoes that are ripe but still firm, and cucumbers that are crisp and free from blemishes.
Feta cheese can be found in most grocery stores, but if you can find a good quality Greek feta, it will make a world of difference in the flavor of the salad.
To improve this dish, try adding some chopped fresh herbs such as basil or mint.
A drizzle of good quality olive oil or balsamic vinegar will also take it to the next level.
Serve this salad as a side dish or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.
9. Watermelon and Feta Salad
Watermelon and feta salad is a refreshing, summery dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.
The sweet watermelon goes well with the salty feta, and the mint adds a nice touch of freshness.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make - all you need is watermelon, feta, mint, and a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar.
Watermelon and feta salad is a winning combo.
The watermelon is juicy and sweet, while the feta is salty and creamy.
The mint adds some freshness, and the dressing ties everything together.
This dish is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.
There are plenty of ways to improve this dish and make it your own.
Try adding some diced cucumber or red onion for extra crunch.
Or, swap out the mint for basil or cilantro.
You could also add some chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.
For a heartier version, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
10. Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese
This roasted beet salad with goat cheese is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The beets are roasted to perfection and the goat cheese adds a creamy element that takes this dish to the next level.
The key to this dish is in the roasting of the beets.
You want to make sure they are cooked through but not overcooked, as this will result in a mushy texture.
Once they are roasted, allow them to cool slightly so that you can handle them easily.
Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together your greens of choice (I like to use arugula or spinach), diced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Add the roasted beets to the mixture and toss everything together until it is evenly mixed.
10 Ideal Accompaniments for Tomato Mozzarella Salad
After trying out all of these options, there are a lot of great choices when it comes to what to serve with your tomato mozzarella salad.
Any of these options would be a great choice to serve alongside your salad.
Whether you are looking for something to go with the flavors in your salad or you are looking for a filling option to make your salad a meal, one of these 10 options is sure to do the trick.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →Great sides for Tomato Mozzarella Salad depend on the sauce and cooking method. Generally, lighter dishes pair well with fresh salads, while richer preparations work with hearty starches.
For a quick weeknight side, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are ready in under 20 minutes and pair naturally with most preparations.
A simply dressed arugula salad or steamed green beans with olive oil are light but satisfying options that won't overshadow the main.
A crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus complements most lighter dishes well. For heartier mains, a light red or craft beer works nicely.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
