As seen in our latest Instagram reel
These Marinated Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Mozzarella Pearls went viral on @dishesbygrace_‘s page for a reason — glossy mozzarella pearls glistening in golden herb-flecked oil with ruby sun-dried tomatoes tucked throughout. Soft, milky mozzarella pearls soak up a fragrant bath of olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, and rich sun-dried tomatoes until every bite tastes like the Mediterranean. Spoon them over crusty bread, toss them into salads, or pile them onto a charcuterie board — they disappear fast.
It’s a 10-minute, no-cook recipe that looks like a deli counter centerpiece. The longer they marinate, the better they taste.
Why you’ll love them
- No cooking required — just warm, stir, and marinate
- Mediterranean flavors that pair with everything from bread to pasta
- Perfect make-ahead party food; keeps beautifully for days
- Protein-rich little bites at ~9g of protein per serving
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red-pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp flaky salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Bloom the aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant — never let it brown.
- Add the flavor: Remove from the heat and stir in the oregano, Italian seasoning, red-pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Marinate: Pour the warm oil mixture over the drained mozzarella pearls in a bowl. Add the basil, parsley, salt, and pepper and toss gently to coat.
- Rest: Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 5 days for deeper flavor.
- Serve: Bring to room temperature before serving with crusty bread, over salads, or as part of a charcuterie board. Drizzle with the leftover oil.
Tips
- Always serve at room temperature — cold mozzarella mutes the flavors.
- Save the leftover herb oil for dipping bread or drizzling over pasta.
- Double the batch; it keeps for up to 5 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 1/4 cup), estimated: Calories ~180 · Protein ~9g · Carbs ~4g · Fat ~15g · Fiber ~1g · Sugar ~2g
Charcuterie board, crusty bread, or straight from the bowl — how would you serve these? Follow @dishesbygrace_ on Instagram for the reel and more easy appetizers.
