- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup green olives (optional)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- a few fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Slice the cherry tomatoes carefully and place them into a large mixing bowl, allowing their fresh juices to form the flavorful base for this vibrant Mediterranean salad.
Add the Kalamata olives along with the optional green olives, letting their briny richness blend naturally with the tomatoes to create a balanced, savory foundation for the dish.
Gently fold in the fresh mozzarella balls and the optional avocado slices, ensuring each piece remains intact while contributing creamy texture that complements the salad’s bright ingredients beautifully.
Scatter the thinly sliced red onion and fresh basil leaves over the mixture, adding aromatic depth and a refreshing herbal note that enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously across the bowl, adding balsamic vinegar if desired, creating a smooth, tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together harmoniously.
Season the salad lightly with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste, ensuring the natural flavors remain balanced while enhancing the freshness and richness of every individual component.
Toss everything gently until well combined, taking care not to crush delicate ingredients, then serve immediately for peak freshness or chill briefly if you prefer a cooler presentation.