Description
A fresh and flavorful recipe featuring ciliegine mozzarella balls marinated in a zesty mixture of fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect as an appetizer or addition to salads, these marinated mozzarella balls absorb vibrant citrus and herb flavors, making them a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and/or basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or enough to cover the mozzarella balls
Main Ingredient
- 8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium jar, combine the chopped fresh parsley and/or basil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and ⅓ cup of the extra-virgin olive oil. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the mozzarella: Add the drained and patted dry ciliegine mozzarella balls into the jar. Pour the remaining ⅓ cup of olive oil over the mozzarella to ensure they are completely covered. Add more olive oil if necessary.
- Refrigerate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the mozzarella to absorb the vibrant marinade flavors. The marinated balls can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure the mozzarella balls are well drained and patted dry to prevent dilution of the marinade.
- The marination time of at least one hour is essential for flavor absorption but can be extended up to 24 hours for more intense taste.
- Use fresh herbs and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- This recipe works well as a cold appetizer or tossed into salads and pasta dishes.
- Store the marinated mozzarella in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces (about 4 mozzarella balls)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
