Marinated Mozzarella Balls

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Marinated mozzarella balls combined with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, hints of garlic and fresh lemon make an easy yet incredibile appetizer. It’s one of the most scrumptious ready in just 5 minutes!

Published on July 2022/Updated on May 2025

In my book, there are so many dishes that can be improved with mozzarella. I keep this versatile cheese in my fridge at all times for the most delicious , including (of course!), and last minute

Is there anything cheese can’t fix?:)

And this simple mozzarella recipe is one of my go-to appetizers: quick to make, economical, versatile and fresh. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

The baby mozzarella balls are marinated in a combination of flavorful extra virgin olive oil, garlic, aromatic herbs and a little bit of lemon zest and juice. This is such a simple combination that makes this fresh cheese shines.

The recipe couldn’t be easier than this, and it takes 5 minutes to make. Simply add the ingredients for the marinade to a jar, shake to emulsify, and combine with the mozzarella balls. And you’re done!

They are delicious when served with crusty , or my crispy They make a wonderful vegetarian appetizer, but they are also super versatile and great in salad, vegetable pasta, bruschetta… the possibilities are endless.

These marinated mozzarella balls are so easy, quick, and yummy that you’ll eat one right after another!

List of the ingredients

• Baby mozzarella balls
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Herbs
• Lemon
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper

How to make Marinated mozzarella balls

(Note: this is a quick description, the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)

• Add the marinade ingredients to a jar and shake until emulsified.
• Combine mozzarella balls and marinade in a mixing bowl.
• Gently toss with a spoon to ensure each mozzarella ball is coated.
• Serve them immediately or let them to marinate for 1-2 hours to intensify the overall flavor.

Recipe notes

Mozzarella balls: This recipe works best with fresh mozzarella in water, especially baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini, ciliegine, or pearls), which make the perfect bite-sized appetizer. However, visually less appealing, cubed fresh mozzarella will do too!

Extra virgin olive oil: It’s the key in this recipe, make sure you use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Herbs: Fresh parsley and fresh basil pair beautifully with the fresh mozzarella balls, while the Italian dried herbs bring heartiness and extra flavor. You can also use dried oregano instead of the Italian blend.

Garlic: Who doesn’t love that hint of garlic?!

Lemon: The juice and zest from the fresh lemon add the right amount of acidity to enhance the overall flavor.

Chili flakes: Great to add a touch of heat.

Salt & pepper: For this recipe, I recommed using freshly ground black pepper or mixed peppercorns. As always, make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

How to serve marinated mozzarella balls

I love so much these marinated mozzarella balls because are super versatile, they make a fantastic, but they’re also great to add flavor and texture to last minute salads or pastas.

It’s a no brainer to reach out the fridge and toss a few of them into this , or with or a fresh, simple Also, you can use marinated mozzarella to top these scrumptious or

Last but not least, when you bring your marinated mozzarella to the table, you’ll want to serve them with forks or toothpicks to pick them up. They’re wet, soft and oily, definitely not meant to be eating with hands.:)

Storage tips

Keep these marinated mozzarella balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for up to 4 days. Once refrigerated the olive oil naturally solidifies, all you have to do is to remove the container from the fridge to bring it back at room temperature an hour before serving.

More Italian appetizers?

You might be interested in these terrific perfect for an Italian-style dinner party with family and friends!

• Start with quick and easy recipes like or
• Turn the oven to bake terrific , , or crispy Also a delicious or will be great for sharing!
• Impress with these scrumptious .

If you make these marinated mozzarella balls, or you have a question, let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you! x

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