Rocket and Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Rocket and Mozzarella Salad is a quick, refreshing, and flavour-packed dish that comes together effortlessly. With the bold peppery taste of fresh rocket, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the tangy sweetness of balsamic glaze, this salad is a perfect choice for a light lunch or an elegant side dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats, crusty bread, or a glass of crisp white wine for a simple yet satisfying meal.

There are plenty of reasons why this rocket and mozzarella salad should be on your regular meal rotation. Not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it also ticks all the right boxes when it comes to convenience, health, and affordability.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this salad comes together effortlessly.

It’s also budget-friendly. Despite its gourmet appeal, the ingredients are all widely available and relatively inexpensive. Fresh mozzarella and rocket are affordable staples, and you only need a small amount of almonds and balsamic glaze to enhance the dish.

Nutritionally, this salad is packed with goodness. Rocket is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, mozzarella provides protein and calcium, and almonds offer healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Plus, the use of extra virgin olive oil adds heart-healthy benefits, making this a well-balanced dish.

Finally, it’s aesthetically beautiful. The colours and textures make it a visually stunning dish that can easily be the centrepiece of a meal. Whether served in a rustic bowl or elegantly plated, this salad always looks as good as it tastes.

So if you’re looking for something that’s quick, delicious, healthy, and easy to customise, this rocket and mozzarella salad is the perfect choice. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!

The Ingredients – Why They Work

A great rocket and mozzarella salad starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s why each element plays an important role:

• Rocket (Arugula) – This leafy green brings a bold, peppery kick, adding depth to the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, swap it with baby spinach.
• Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella offers a creamy, mild contrast to the sharpness of the rocket. For an extra burst of flavour, try burrata or feta instead.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Their natural sweetness balances the salad, providing a juicy bite. If you want a more robust tomato flavour, use sun-dried tomatoes.
• Olive Oil – A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavours and adds a silky texture. For a richer taste, try truffle oil.
• Balsamic Glaze – The sweet and tangy glaze ties everything together. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, a simple balsamic vinegar reduction works just as well.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient. Want an extra kick? Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Almonds (Flaked or Nibbed) – Lightly toasted on a dry pan, almonds introduce a nutty crunch that enhances the salad’s texture. You can also use pine nuts or walnuts for variation.

How to Make It

This rocket and mozzarella salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or an elegant side dish.

1. Prepare the ingredients – Wash and dry the rocket leaves. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toast the almonds – Heat a dry pan over medium heat and quickly toast the flaked or nibbed almonds for 1–2 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, toss the rocket, tomatoes, and mozzarella together.
4. Dress and garnish – Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
5. Serve immediately – Enjoy as a side dish or add grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or avocado for extra protein.

For a more indulgent twist, serve this salad on toasted sourdough with a handful of shaved Parmesan or a few torn basil leaves.

How to Serve It

This peppery rocket and mozzarella salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

• As a side dish – Complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
• With bread – Enjoy it with warm sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia.
• As a main course – Add grilled chicken, prawns, or avocado for a heartier meal.
• In a wrap or sandwich – Use it as a filling with hummus and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.

For an extra burst of flavour, toss in some crumbled goat’s cheese or a handful of pomegranate seeds.

More Ways to Customise This Salad

One of the best things about this rocket and mozzarella salad is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want to add more texture, switch up the flavours, or make it even more nutritious, here are some great ways to customise this dish:

• For a richer flavour – Swap almonds for toasted pine nuts or hazelnuts. Their nuttiness adds depth to the dish and complements the creaminess of the mozzarella beautifully.
• For a protein boost – Add grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or prosciutto. This makes the salad more filling while keeping it light and fresh.
• For a citrusy twist – Replace balsamic glaze with fresh lemon juice or orange segments. The citrus adds brightness and enhances the peppery notes of the rocket.
• For a Mediterranean touch – Toss in olives, roasted peppers, or artichokes. These ingredients bring extra layers of flavour, making the salad even more vibrant.
• For extra crunch – If almonds aren’t your thing, try adding crispy croutons or even lightly toasted pumpkin seeds.

This salad is endlessly versatile, making it perfect for experimenting with different combinations. No matter how you customise it, the result is always delicious.

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Yield: 4

Rocket and Mozzarella Salad Recipe

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Enjoy this Rocket and Mozzarella Salad, a delightful and easy-to-make treat. Rocket's nutty tang pairs perfectly with tender mozzarella, and a simple balsamic dressing ties it all together. A restaurant-level dish ready in under 10 minutes, ideal for any occasion.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Splash of olive oil
• Splash of balsamic vinegar, good quality and luxury
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of almonds – flaked or nibbed
• 1 pack of rocket leaves, washed and dried
• 1 pack of cherry tomatoes, cut into 1/2 or 1/4
• 1 pack of mini mozzarella balls, cut into 1/2 or 1/4

Instructions

Heat a heavy-based skillet first, without adding any oil. Then, place the almonds in the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until they turn a nice brown color.

Take a glass jar or any other suitable dish or bowl. In this container, combine the dressing ingredients, which are salt, balsamic vinegar, and oil. Then, give it a good shake, stir, or mix to blend everything thoroughly.

Arrange rocket leaves on a plate, place cherry tomatoes and mozzarella on top, pour the dressing over the salad. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.

You can bring it to the next level by adding pine nuts and rainbow colored cherry tomatoes.