Arugula Mozzarella Salad

Here is an arugula mozzarella salad or (let’s put this differently), this is a version of Caprese salad with arugula for those who do not like tomatoes. 😄

This salad requires the fewest ingredients in the world, but the dressing is a secret revealed that solves the problem of “how bitter arugula is.”

Arugula Mozzarella Salad
  • Arugula, fresh, rinsed and dried.
  • Mozzarella cheese, in bites (known as mozzarella mini-balls).
  • Balsamic honey dressing. Combine creamy balsamic with traditional aceto balsamico di Modena, olive oil, a little from mozzarella juice, honey and salt. Please do not skip the step of combining the all these until they dissolve into a nice creamy dressing.

The truth is you won’t miss tomatoes at all. And no, it is not a classic dressing for a Caprese salad. But, it is the perfect salad when you are craving arugula, even though you don’t like its bitterness.

arugula mozzarella salad dressing
honey balsamic dressing

This dressing is how you can make arugula salad taste less bitter.

Let’s not forget that arugula falls into the super-greens category, so try to eat it every day in a different combination or a different dressing.

It is winter now, and tomatoes are not in season anymore. So, do not get tempted to buy them. No way their taste is going to be the same as summer tomatoes.

No tomatoes, no problem! So, it makes total sense for me to call this salad arugula mozzarella salad rather than Caprese salad with arugula.

However, tomatoes go with this salad, as it is still an Italian recipe.

Caprese salad with arugula

Thank the Italians for Caprese salad, but pray for those who added arugula in it! It makes it so perfect!

How To Eat This Arugula – Mozzarella Salad?

This version of Caprese salad is a beautiful salad dish. It is quick to prepare; arugula is crunchy and easy to stretch into many servings.

For this arugula and mozzarella salad, I chose fresh arugula leaves from the farmers’ market. Baby arugulas would do the same.

Next, I bought mozzarella cheese in bites. Yes, these tiny mozzarella balls are so pretty, they avoid all the cutting. Big mozzarella balls are equally tasty, though.

arugula mozzarella salad

The first suggestion is this Mediterranean type of bean stew. To me, beans+argula make THE PERFECT combo!

This arugula Caprese salad goes very well with kinds of pasta and casseroles. The second suggestion is this gnocchi recipe which I am SURE will go great with arugula and mozzarella salad.

The third suggestion is toast. Toast a slice of bread, then put this salad on it. You will have an easy on-the-go meal and a good solution for kids as well.

arugula toast

I know kids don’t like salads, but it draws their attention by presenting a slice of warm bread topped with “colorful” things. (speaking from my experience here)

Caprese toast

The main tip when eating this salad is to marinate it 2 minutes before serving it. Make sure your arugula leaf is well dried, crunchy, and fresh. I, first, marinate it with only a sprinkle of olive oil so when I serve, it looks shiny. Then, I put the dressing jar on the table so everyone would add as much dressing as they liked.

What Does Arugula Go Well With?

Arugula goes well with two opposite tastes wrapping around it. I mean, it balances the sweet and the sour on the same plate.

arugula Caprese salad

Arugula goes well in every mixed green salad, even with this summerish vegan salad combination. It adds colors to summer recipes and goes perfect with the juicy fruit you will choose.

Generally speaking, arugula goes well in chicken salads, potato salads, almonds (toasted), eggs; garlic+olive oil+lemon (or any other vinegar); cheese (all of them!), tomatoes; peach; pears; watermelons; oranges; pasta.

However, I want to let you see some recipes to prove arugula can be perfect for winter.

  1. Arugula with Pear and Burrata Salad
  2. Try this vegan sandwich with gouda and arugula.
  3. Try making arugula pasta dough.
  4. Cook a nice and warm arugula risotto.

I hope you leave this page feeling inspired. I would appreciate your feedback on my version of arugula salad with honey balsamic dressing. Otherwise, “What more do you want?” LOL, I’m such a massive fan of ‘Friends.’

Oh, I thought I’d share one last thing.

I never knew there were people in the world who did not like tomatoes until I met my husband, LOL. That is why I came up with this recipe. It’s great for picky eaters. 😁

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
arugula mozzarella salad

Arugula Mozzarella Salad


  • Author: Neyona
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 people 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This is the version of Caprese salad without tomatoes. Arugula Mozzarella Salad is crunchy, refreshing, and rich in taste. It is the perfect side dish for any time.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups arugula (fresh)
  • 6 mozzarella cheese (mini-balls)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (OPTIONAL)

Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp creamy balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp aceto balsamico di Modena
  • 1/2 tbsp mozarella juice
  • 1/3 tbsp honey
  • salt (a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Gently toss arugula and mozzarella with a sprinkle of olive oil, and serve
  2. Shake all the dressing’s ingredient in a jar and add it as much as you like
  3. Add cherry tomatoes cut in 4 (TOTALLY OPTIONAL)

Notes

To ensure the leaves are shiny once you serve them, toss with a little olive oil. Let everyone add dressing as they like.

Make sure arugula is not wet when making this salad. Liquids will make it soggy. 

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: no cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: arugula mozzarella salad, arugula recipe, caprese salad with arugula

Leave a comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star