Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella

Looking for a refreshing and simple salad for the summer? You can't go wrong with this cherry tomato salad with fresh basil and mozzarella. It will take you less than 15 minutes to prepare and it's only 5 points on Weight Watchers per serving (points will vary depending on amount of mozzarella cheese used and type of dressing).

Enjoy!

 



Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella:
Serves about 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 medium shallot (or onion), minced (about three tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or fat free balsamic dressing)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, torn (use hands to tear into bite size pieces)
• 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped into bite-size pieces. Add sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Toss the tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Set it aside and let stand for 30 minutes.
2. To remove seeds and extra juice transfer the tomatoes to a salad spinner and spin them for a few seconds. Make sure to conserve the juice.
3. Put the spun tomato seeds and juice through a fine strainer to reserve the juice and discard the seeds.
4. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato liquid, the shallot, and balsamic vinegar to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.  Simmer until the mixture is reduced to about 3 tablespoons.
6. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and cool to room temperature.
7. Whisk in the oil and salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the basil and mozzarella to the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.