BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe: 5 Secrets

I’ll never forget the first time I tried bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe at the restaurant three summers ago. My sister Catherine and I had just finished a long day exploring the local farmers market, and we decided to grab dinner at BJ’s. When that beautiful salad arrived at our table, with its perfectly roasted tomatoes glistening under a drizzle of balsamic glaze, I knew I had to recreate it at home.

After countless kitchen experiments (and a few disasters!), I’m thrilled to share my perfected version of this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe that honestly tastes even better than the restaurant original. My daughter loves helping me make this, and it’s become our special summer tradition.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why This BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Will Become Your New Obsession

What makes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect storm of fresh ingredients, restaurant-quality techniques, and that magical moment when everything comes together on your plate. Unlike a traditional Caprese salad, BJ’s version features roasted cherry tomatoes that become incredibly sweet and jammy, creating an entirely different flavor profile.

The secret lies in those roasted tomatoes – they’re what transforms this from a simple salad into something truly special. When you roast cherry tomatoes at high heat, their natural sugars caramelize, concentrating all that summery flavor into little bursts of sunshine.

Essential Ingredients

Creating an authentic bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for restaurant-quality results:

Fresh Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

These little gems are the star of our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe. When roasted, they develop an incredible sweetness that makes this salad unforgettable. I prefer organic cherry tomatoes when they’re in season – the flavor difference is remarkable.

Fresh Mozzarella Medallions

Skip the pre-shredded stuff! Fresh mozzarella is essential for this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe. Look for those creamy medallions or pearls that you can find in the deli section. Pat them dry before using to prevent your salad from getting soggy.

Spring Mix or Baby Arugula

The greens provide a peppery contrast to the sweet tomatoes and creamy cheese. A good spring mix works beautifully, but I sometimes use pure baby arugula when I want extra bite in my bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe.

Balsamic Glaze

This is what ties everything together in our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe. You can buy it pre-made or easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until it’s thick and syrupy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create magic in your kitchen? This bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe is surprisingly simple, but the technique makes all the difference.

Step 1: Roast Those Tomatoes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe – the high heat creates that perfect caramelization.

Toss 1 pint of cherry tomatoes with:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of dried oregano

Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re blistered and slightly browned. The aroma that fills your kitchen will tell you when they’re ready!

Step 2: Prepare Your Salad Base

While the tomatoes roast, arrange 4 cups of spring mix on a large platter. Keep it loose and natural-looking – we want this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe to look as gorgeous as it tastes.

Step 3: Add the Mozzarella

Scatter 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella medallions or pearls evenly across the greens. If you’re using larger mozzarella balls, tear them by hand for that rustic, restaurant-style presentation that makes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe so appealing.

Step 4: Crown with Roasted Tomatoes

Here’s where the magic happens! Carefully spoon those gorgeous roasted tomatoes over your salad, making sure to include some of those precious pan juices. They’re liquid gold for our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Drizzle balsamic glaze in a beautiful zigzag pattern across the salad. Add a final drizzle of quality olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is what elevates our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe from good to absolutely incredible.

BJ’s Salad vs. Traditional Caprese: What Makes It Special?

You might wonder what sets this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe apart from a classic Caprese. The differences are subtle but significant:

• Roasted vs. Raw Tomatoes: The roasting process intensifies the flavors dramatically
• Mixed Greens: Adding arugula or spring mix creates more complexity than just basil
• Temperature: Serving slightly warm makes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe more satisfying
• Presentation: The restaurant-style plating makes it feel special

Pro Tips for BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe Success

After making this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe dozens of times, here are my secrets for perfection:

Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze

While store-bought works, homemade balsamic glaze takes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe to the next level. Simply simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey until reduced by half. It keeps for months in the fridge!

Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Let your roasted tomatoes cool for 5-10 minutes before assembling. This prevents the greens from wilting and ensures your bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe maintains that perfect texture contrast.

Season in Layers

Season the tomatoes before roasting, the greens lightly with olive oil, and finish with salt and pepper. This builds complex flavors throughout our bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe.

Delicious Variations on BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the basic bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe, try these exciting variations:

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy prosciutto
• Nut it up: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or candied walnuts
• Fruit twist: Add sliced peaches or fresh berries
• Herb garden: Include fresh basil, mint, or oregano

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead:

• Roast tomatoes up to 3 days in advance
• Wash and dry greens the day before
• Store mozzarella properly wrapped
• Make balsamic glaze weeks ahead

Just remember to assemble right before serving to maintain that perfect texture that makes this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe so special.

this Idea!

Perfect Pairings for Your BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

This versatile bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled meats and seafood
• Crusty artisan bread
• Chilled white wine or prosecco
• Other fresh summer sides like watermelon salad

Nutritional Benefits of BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Beyond being absolutely delicious, this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe is packed with nutrition:

• Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and vitamin C
• Fresh mozzarella: High-quality protein and calcium
• Greens: Folate, iron, and antioxidants
• Olive oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats

Troubleshooting Your BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Having issues? Here’s how to fix common problems with this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe:

• Soggy salad: Pat mozzarella dry and don’t overdress
• Bland tomatoes: Season well and roast until caramelized
• Wilted greens: Add them to cool tomatoes only
• Too acidic: Balance with more olive oil or a touch of honey

Why I Love This BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

After years of perfecting this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe, it’s become more than just a dish in our house – it’s a memory maker. Whether I’m serving it to dinner guests or enjoying a quiet lunch with my daughter, this salad never fails to bring smiles.

The combination of warm, sweet tomatoes with cool, creamy mozzarella creates this amazing temperature and texture contrast that’s absolutely divine. And when you see that first forkful disappear and watch someone’s eyes light up, you’ll understand why this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe has become such a treasured part of our recipe collection.

For more amazing salad inspirations, check out our crispy rice salad with peanut chili dressing or our refreshing Asian cucumber salad. And if you’re hosting a summer gathering, our grilled skirt steak with lemon herb couscous salad makes an excellent main course alongside this beautiful tomato mozzarella creation.

Don’t forget to explore our collection of summer desserts to complete your meal – they pair wonderfully with this fresh, vibrant salad.

Frequently Asked Questions About BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Ready to Make Restaurant Magic at Home?

This bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe proves that you don’t need to go out to enjoy restaurant-quality food. With simple techniques and quality ingredients, you can create something truly special right in your own kitchen.

I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Drop me a line at Allrecipes where food lovers gather to share their cooking adventures, or find me on Pinterest @EmilyKitchenDelights where I share daily recipe inspiration.

Remember, cooking is about creating moments of joy, and this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe delivers that in spades. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will give you the confidence to create restaurant-worthy dishes that bring people together around the table.

So grab those beautiful tomatoes, fire up that oven, and get ready to fall in love with what might just become your new favorite summer salad. Trust me – once you try this bj’s brewhouse tomato mozzarella salad recipe, you’ll never look at Caprese the same way again!

Print