BJ's Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe: A Copycat Guide

BJ's Brewhouse is known for its delicious food, and their Tomato Mozzarella Salad is a standout. This refreshing and flavorful salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we've crafted a delicious copycat version that captures the essence of BJ's popular dish. This guide will walk you through creating this vibrant salad, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.

Ingredients for the BJ's Brewhouse Inspired Tomato Mozzarella Salad

This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve that signature BJ's taste. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your serving needs.

• For the Salad:

  • 2 pints Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella balls, small size, drained
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved (optional, but adds a nice salty bite)

• For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions: Making the Salad

This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking time. Focus on the quality of your ingredients for optimal flavor.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Halve or quarter the tomatoes depending on their size. Slice the red onion thinly. Chop the basil leaves roughly. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives if using. Drain the mozzarella balls well.

2. Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, red onion, and Kalamata olives (if using). Avoid over-mixing to prevent the tomatoes from breaking down.

3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.

4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Don't overdress; you want the salad to remain fresh and vibrant.

5. Serve Immediately: This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent the tomatoes from becoming watery. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.

Tips for the Best BJ's Brewhouse Inspired Tomato Mozzarella Salad

• Fresh is Best: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor. The quality of your tomatoes and mozzarella will significantly impact the overall taste.

• Don't Overdress: Too much dressing will make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a stronger balsamic flavor, add a bit more balsamic vinegar.

• Add-ins: Experiment with other add-ins such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese.

• Presentation: Serve the salad in a nice bowl and garnish with extra basil for an attractive presentation.

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