BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe (Better Than the Original!)

If you’ve ever dined at BJ’s Brewhouse, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their Tomato Mozzarella Salad. It’s that perfect balance of fresh, creamy, tangy, and savory that leaves you saying, “I could eat this every day.” Well… good news: now you can.

This copycat BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad recipe brings all the restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen, no reservation required. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, looking for an elegant starter, or want to impress your friends with a crowd-pleasing side, this salad checks every box.

What makes it special? It’s all about the combination: juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella medallions, crisp spring greens, and that addictive balsamic glaze drizzle. And here’s the best part, this version might actually be even better than the original (yep, we said it).

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything from essential ingredients to pro tips, plus how to roast your tomatoes to perfection, store leftovers, and even compare BJ’s salad to a classic Caprese. You’ll also find answers to the most common questions people ask about this beloved dish, and a few tasty surprises along the way.

Let’s bring BJ’s home, one forkful at a time.

🥰 Why You’ll Love This Copycat BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

This salad isn’t just a side dish, it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re a longtime fan of BJ’s Brewhouse or discovering this gem for the first time, here’s why you’ll be making this Tomato Mozzarella Salad on repeat:

✅ Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

With roasted tomatoes bursting with sweetness, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this salad hits every flavor note. You’ll get that same gourmet vibe without ever leaving your kitchen.

✅ Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here. Just fresh, wholesome produce and a few pantry staples that come together in the most delicious way.

✅ Quick & Easy to Make

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or meal prep.

✅ Versatile & Customizable

Serve it as a light lunch, a refreshing starter, or bulk it up with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal. It plays well with just about anything.

✅ Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

Whether you have dietary needs or you’re just trying to eat a little cleaner, this salad is a naturally healthy choice, with no compromise on flavor.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad copycat recipe is how simple and fresh the ingredients are. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that restaurant-quality taste at home:

🍅 Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

These sweet little tomatoes are ideal for roasting. They caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding depth and flavor that takes this salad to the next level.

Pro Tip: If you find heirloom cherry tomatoes, grab them, they add color and a richer flavor variety.

🧀 Fresh Mozzarella Medallions or Pearls

Soft, creamy, and mild, fresh mozzarella is the heart of this salad. Medallions give you that classic BJ’s look, but pearls or even torn mozzarella balls work just as well.

Quick Tip: Pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling to keep your salad crisp, not soggy.

🥬 Spring Mix or Baby Arugula

BJ’s uses a base of fresh greens that adds texture and a slight peppery bite. A spring mix is perfect, but baby arugula, spinach, or even a mix will do just fine.

🍇 Balsamic Glaze

This sticky-sweet drizzle is what ties everything together. You can use store-bought balsamic glaze, or make your own (just reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or brown sugar).

🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A light drizzle before serving enhances all the fresh flavors. Go with high-quality EVOO for the best taste.

🧂 Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Just a pinch of each brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and rounds out the creaminess of the mozzarella.

🧄 Optional Add-Ons (For a Flavor Boost)

• Sliced avocado – for creamy richness
• Toasted pine nuts – adds crunch and a nutty finish
• Thin red onion slices – for a sharp bite
• Top it with grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this salad into a satisfying main course.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – if you like a little heat

👩‍🍳 How to Make BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe(Step-by-Step)

This salad may look restaurant-fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. The secret? Roasted tomatoes, high-quality mozzarella, and the perfect assembly technique. Here’s how to bring it all together:

🔥 Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes and adds that rich, caramelized flavor that sets this salad apart from a basic Caprese.

You’ll need:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until soft, blistered, and lightly browned.
5. Let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.

📝 Tip for Speed: You can also pan-roast them in a skillet for faster prep, about 8–10 minutes over medium heat.

🥗 Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

On a large platter or in individual bowls, spread a generous layer of spring mix or your favorite greens.

• Keep it loose and natural-looking, not packed tight.
• If using arugula, mix in a touch of olive oil for a silky texture.

🧀 Step 3: Add Mozzarella

Layer on the mozzarella medallions or scatter mozzarella pearls evenly across the greens.

• For a more rustic feel, gently tear larger mozzarella pieces by hand.
• Keep spacing natural, this isn’t a chopped salad!

🍅 Step 4: Add Roasted Tomatoes

Carefully spoon the roasted tomatoes over the salad.
Let some of the juices drizzle onto the greens, that’s flavor gold.

✨ Step 5: Drizzle & Finish

Time for the final flavor builders:

• Drizzle balsamic glaze generously across the salad in a zigzag motion.
• Add a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Season with a final pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

🌟 Optional: Add toasted pine nuts, red onion slivers, or a few avocado slices to make it your own.

✅ Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

This salad is best served slightly warm or at room temperature so the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella can shine.

Serve it as a starter, a side, or top it with grilled protein to make it a meal. And don’t be surprised if someone asks, “Did you order this from BJ’s?”

🧾 BJ’s Salad vs. Caprese Salad: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering, “Isn’t this basically a Caprese salad with a few extras?” Great question, and the answer is both yes and no. While the core ingredients are similar, BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad has a distinct twist that makes it stand out.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to break it down:

Feature	BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad	Traditional Caprese Salad
Tomatoes	Roasted cherry or grape	Raw, sliced Roma or heirloom
Mozzarella	Fresh medallions or pearls	Fresh slices or balls
Greens	Spring mix or arugula	None (usually just basil)
Dressing	Balsamic glaze + olive oil	Olive oil + balsamic vinegar (optional)
Extras	Often includes nuts, onions, or avocado	Typically minimalist
Temperature	Served slightly warm or room temp	Usually served cold

💡 Why This Matters:

• Roasting the tomatoes brings out a deeper, sweeter flavor than raw ones.
• Adding greens turns this into a more filling and balanced salad. almost a meal on its own.
• The balsamic glaze gives it a richer, more intense finish compared to a standard drizzle of vinegar.

🧠 Fun Fact:

The Caprese salad originated in Italy and represents the colors of the Italian flag (red, white, and green). BJ’s version? It’s the American twist, bolder, heartier, and full of texture.

🔥 How to Roast Tomatoes Like BJ’s

Roasted tomatoes are what truly elevate this salad, they’re sweet, slightly tangy, and packed with umami. BJ’s nails this technique in their kitchens, but guess what? You can do it just as well at home (maybe even better).

Here’s how to roast tomatoes for that signature BJ’s flavor:

🍅 Best Tomatoes for Roasting

• Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work best
• Heirloom varieties add gorgeous color and deeper flavor
• Uniform size helps them roast evenly

🛠 What You’ll Need:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Roasting Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   This high heat gives a nice blister and softens them quickly.
2. Rinse and dry the tomatoes thoroughly.
3. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   Make sure they’re in a single layer with space between them.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the skins blister, some start to split, and the edges caramelize.
   You want them soft and jammy, but not totally collapsed.
6. Let them cool slightly before using them in your salad.
   The juices will thicken slightly as they rest, don’t waste that goodness!

🌿 Optional Flavor Boosts:

Want to go gourmet? Add any of these before roasting:

• A pinch of dried oregano or thyme
• A splash of balsamic vinegar
• Crushed garlic cloves (whole or minced)

🔁 Make-Ahead Tip:

Roast a double batch and store the extra tomatoes in the fridge (up to 4 days). They’re amazing in pasta, grain bowls, or even on toast with goat cheese.

🧊 Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Salad Fresh

You’ve made this gorgeous, flavor-packed BJ’s-style Tomato Mozzarella Salad, but what if you’ve got leftovers or want to prep it ahead for a dinner party or weekday lunch? Here’s everything you need to know.

🥗 Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, but with a little strategy.
To keep the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant, it’s best to prep the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

Here’s how to meal-prep like a pro:

• Roast the tomatoes and refrigerate in an airtight container (lasts 3–4 days).
• Wash and dry your greens ahead of time, store in a paper towel-lined container to keep them crisp.
• Slice or portion the mozzarella and keep it in a sealed container.
• Keep balsamic glaze and olive oil separate until just before serving.

📝 Bonus: You can even pack this as a layered salad-in-a-jar for on-the-go lunches!

🧀 How Long Does the Assembled Salad Last?

If you’ve already combined all the ingredients:

• Best eaten fresh or within 24 hours
• Tomatoes will start to soften and leak their juices
• Mozzarella may absorb moisture and become mushy
• Greens can wilt if stored with dressing or tomatoes

Quick Fix: If storing leftovers, try scooping off the tomatoes and mozzarella to store separately, and refresh the greens later.

❄️ Can I Freeze It?

Nope, this one’s not freezer-friendly.
Fresh mozzarella and greens don’t freeze well and will lose their texture.
Stick to short-term fridge storage for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🥄 Final Thoughts: Better Than the Original BJ’s Salad?

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, especially when it turns out just as good, if not better, than the original. This BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad copycat recipe checks all the boxes: fresh ingredients, bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and a whole lot of feel-good vibes.

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a dinner party starter, or pairing it with grilled protein for a complete meal, this salad brings restaurant-level flavor home with ease.

And the best part? Now you know all the tricks, from roasting tomatoes like a pro to building perfect flavor layers, and even how to store leftovers like a meal-prep champ.

So go ahead, grab those fresh ingredients, drizzle on that balsamic glaze, and dig in. You’ve officially leveled up your salad game.

🍴 Craving More Restaurant-Worthy Recipes?

If you loved this fresh and flavorful BJ’s Tomato Mozzarella Salad, you’re going to want to check out these other delicious copycat recipes from the blog:

• 🥓 Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe – hearty, saucy, and better than takeout
• 🐟 Cheesecake Factory Miso Salmon – sweet-savory perfection with a healthy twist
• 🥗 Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad – bold flavors, great for meal prep
• 🐓 Willow Tree Chicken Salad Copycat – creamy, classic, and great on sandwiches
• 🍲 Texas Roadhouse Green Beans – the perfect side dish to round out your meal

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