Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe with Herbs

My Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe with Herbs is the perfect way to enjoy fresh mozzarella balls. This easy recipe can be made in 10 minutes or less and is a perfect way to use up fresh herbs lingering in the fridge, along with some dried seasonings. Whether you enjoy these little mozzarella balls as part of a charcuterie board or with crusty bread, I know you’ll love this easy appetizer recipe!

I’m all about little luxuries – taking simple ingredients and making them into something really special to share with others. This recipe is the perfect example of that. This marinated mozzarella is the perfect appetizer or addition to your antipasto platter. And these mini mozzarella balls are delicious for the holiday season – everyone loves them! Plus, all you need are a handful of ingredients (all easy to find) from the grocery store. I hope you love this perfect bite-sized appetizer as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. This recipe is really simple – mozzarella pearls, extra-virgin olive oil, some fresh basil, and fresh garlic. Dried spices, salt, and black pepper, and boom! You have a delicious and easy snack! 
• It’s customizable and super versatile. You can serve this with crusty bread, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or on top of homemade pizza! Plus, this recipe makes the perfect addition to any cheese board. 

Ingredients

• Ciliegine Mozzarella –These little mozzarella balls have a mild taste and a creamy texture. For the best taste and texture, look for the freshest ciliegine mozzarella (in brine/water).
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil –  The olive oil serves as the base of the marinade, infusing the mozzarella with rich, fruity flavor. Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the most vibrant taste.
• Fresh Basil – Fragrant and slightly peppery, fresh basil adds an herby brightness to the marinade. Tear the basil leaves rather than chopping them to release their full flavor.
• Fresh Parsley – Parsley brings a fresh, slightly earthy flavor to the marinade, complementing the other herbs. Use both the leaves and the tender stems for maximum flavor.
• Minced Garlic – Pungent and aromatic, minced garlic adds a savory depth to the marinade. It gives the mozzarella an irresistible flavor! Mince the garlic cloves immediately before adding them to the marinade for the freshest taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes – These little flakes pack a punch, adding subtle heat to balance the mozzarella and olive oil’s richness.
• Lemon Zest – Bright and citrusy, lemon zest adds a zingy freshness to the marinade. Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
• Italian Seasoning Blend – A classic blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary, Italian seasoning brings a savory complexity to the marinade. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can mix equal parts of dried oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper – These essential seasonings help to balance the flavors in the marinade.

Substitutions and Additions

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Sundried tomatoes in oil would be a great addition! 
• Basil Pesto – Adding some pesto and whisking it in the olive oil would make a delicious marinade. You could even skip the fresh and dried herbs! You can try two pesto recipes: Pesto alla Genovese and Walnut Pesto!
• Swap the Herbs –  Try using fresh oregano or fresh thyme, and any other herbs you have on hand – customize it based on what you have! 
• Lemon Peel – For a more intensely citrus flavor, add fresh lemon peels and a little lemon juice. 

Tips and Notes

• Marinating Time – Marinating the mozzarella balls for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the cheese. For even more flavor, you can marinate them overnight.
• Bringing to Room Temp –  For best results, allow the marinated mozzarella balls to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come back to life and the olive oil to regain its smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Wine Pairing – I’ll always suggest Sauvignon Blanc for this recipe! The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy texture of the mozzarella and the herbaceous flavors of the marinade. You could also pair this with a delicious Rosé! Or, try one of my popular cocktails like my Aperol Spritz, Rosé Aperol Spritz, or St-Germain Spritz!
• Antipasto Platter – Arrange the marinated mozzarella balls on a platter alongside cured meats, olives, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread for a delicious antipasto spread.
• Caprese Salad – Use the marinated mozzarella balls as the centerpiece of a classic Caprese salad, layering them with slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor. You could also chop up the mozzarella and add it to tomatoes and make a nice bruschetta!
• Pasta Salad – Toss the marinated mozzarella balls with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing pasta salad.
• Skewers – Thread the marinated mozzarella balls onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and grilled vegetables for a colorful and flavorful appetizer or snack.

Storage and Serving Instructions

Storage Instructions

Transfer marinated mozzarella balls to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Check for spoilage before consuming if storing for longer periods.

Serving Instructions

Allow mozzarella balls to reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!