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Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is a classic Italian dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s fresh, flavorful, and made with just a few simple ingredients
I first fell in love with this simple combo while living in Rome for a season. My tiny apartment sat right above a bustling little pizzeria, and their Caprese-style pizza, complete with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella slices, pesto, and balsamic drizzle, became my ultimate comfort food. That flavor profile has stuck with me ever since, and now I make this tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad at home all the time.
Why We Love Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
This fresh caprese salad is honestly a staple salad served here in our home! My 11-year-old daughter makes it for her after-school snack all the time. She loves to make it for family holiday dinners, too.
Here’s why this recipe is on constant repeat in my kitchen:
It’s endlessly customizable—add avocado, swap in burrata, or finish with pesto for a twist.
It’s incredibly fresh and light, making it the perfect summer dish. Especially during tomato season, if you grow your own!
It requires minimal ingredients, but tastes like something you’d get at a fancy Italian bistro.
It’s healthy and naturally gluten-free, which makes it great for almost everyone.
Try serving this as a side to portobello stuffed mushrooms or bacon-wrapped pesto stuffed chicken breasts for a delicious side salad option.
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How To Make Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
Ok, now on to the fun part! The key to making a delicious tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is using high-quality, freshest ingredients. Fresh, ripe, juicy tomatoes and tangy, creamy mozzarella cheese are the stars of the show, while aromatic basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar add the perfect finishing touch. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy, as it is packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or this is your first time in the kitchen, I promise that this salad is a great option for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful food.
Ingredients
Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is a simple and refreshing dish that requires a few fresh ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this salad:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened work best), sliced
- 225g (8 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced or use bocconcini
- 1 tbsp of dried oregano
- 1 small bunch fresh basil, leaves picked and torn if large
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional but recommended)
- Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
1: Prepare the ingredients.
Slice your tomatoes (approx. 1/4-inch thick rounds) and mozzarella into even rounds. Sometimes I like to shred the mozzarella too. Wash and gently pat the basil leaves dry.
2: Layer the salad
On a large plate or serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, tucking basil leaves between each layer.
3: Drizzle and season
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top. If using, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of the dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
4: Let it sit (optional)
I like to let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
That’s it! Your tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is now ready to serve and enjoy!
Storing This Fresh Tomato Salad
This salad ALWAYS tastes better when eaten on the first day, as it is at its freshest. However, if you make too much or prepare this salad ahead of time, it will keep if stored correctly. Place this salad in an airtight container for 2 to 4 days at most. Any longer, and the tomatoes will begin to go soft and soggy. I also wouldn’t recommend adding the balsamic reduction or dressing until you are ready to serve the salad.
Deb’s Tips
Over the years, I’ve made this salad so many times, and although it is pretty fool proof, there are a few simple tricks that make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Nothing beats the taste of tomatoes straight from the garden or farmers’ market. In Italy, I took a cooking class from an amazing Italian Nonna, and she swore by the freshest olive oil, cheese, tomatoes, and basil for this salad.
- Let your cheese and tomatoes come to room temperature. The flavors really come alive when they’re not ice cold from the fridge.
- Tear, don’t cut, your basil. It helps release the oils without bruising the leaves.
- Add a pinch of sea salt right before serving. It enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. You can either make your own balsamic glaze or buy it pre-made at the store. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way. Try adding a touch of honey to the glaze, too, for a different flavor variation!
Variations Of Traditional Caprese Salad
Try adding your own spin to this salad! Add some cucumber or perhaps a bit of avocado! Prosciutto or arugula will also give it some extra flavor and texture. Here are a few different variations and ideas to try:
Easy Caprese Skewers
If you want to switch things up, try making caprese skewers. Simply thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mini mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for added flavor. Caprese skewers are perfect for entertaining, as they are easy to make and look impressive.
Caprese Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try making caprese pasta salad. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Caprese pasta salad is a filling and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad Pizza
This delicious pizza is typically made with a thin crust, and the toppings are arranged on top of the crust in a salad-like fashion. The tomatoes are usually sliced and arranged in a circular pattern, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and then topped with fresh basil leaves. The pizza crust is covered in a delicious tomato sauce and then baked in the oven until the crust is crispy. Once the pizza is out of the oven, the salad toppings are added, and then it is typically drizzled with olive oil and a balsamic glaze to enhance the flavor of the toppings. The result is a delicious and refreshing pizza that is perfect for summer or any time of year.
More Delicious Recipes
Frequently Asked
Short answer, yes, a tomato and mozzarella salad can be a healthy choice, as it is made with fresh and nutritious ingredients. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, while mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. However, it is important to keep portion size and toppings in mind when considering the healthiness of the salad. Adding too much cheese or dressing can increase the calorie and fat content of the salad. Additionally, some tomato and mozzarella salads may be served with bread or other high-carb sides, which can also add to the calorie count. Overall, a tomato and mozzarella salad can be a healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation and with a balanced diet.
The traditional ingredients for a Caprese salad are tomato and mozzarella slices that are arranged alternately on a plate or platter. Fresh basil leaves are then placed on top of the cheese and tomato slices. The salad is then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze, and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Some variations of the Caprese salad may include additional ingredients such as avocado, prosciutto, or arugula, but the traditional recipe is simple and delicious. I love to add sliced cucumber too
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Ingredients
Caprese Salad
- 4-5 large ripe tomatoes beefsteak
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad
- Prepare the ingredients. Begin by gathering the best quality ingredients you can find
- Slice the ingredients. Start by slicing the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Then, slice the mozzarella cheese into similar-sized rounds. Next, pick the basil leaves off the stems and tear them into small pieces.
- Layer the salad. Start by arranging the tomato slices on a large platter. Then, place or layer the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the tomatoes. Layer or sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the top.
- Finally, add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room tempatrue. The salad can be eaten as is, or you can add a dressing if desired.
- Optional: Dress the salad. If you are using the balsamic reduction, try drizzling it in a beautiful pattern over the salad. If you decide to make a dressing instead, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Video
Notes
- Choose the right tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes are a great choice if you can find them.
- Use fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is softer and creamier than other types of mozzarella cheese, and it pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad.
- Slice the ingredients evenly: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into even slices so that the salad looks visually appealing and is easy to eat.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant and flavorful element to the salad. Tear the leaves into small pieces and scatter them over the tomatoes and cheese.
- Season the salad: Drizzle the salad with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve at room temperature: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Optional additions: You can add other ingredients to the salad, such as sliced avocado, prosciutto, or arugula, to give it some extra flavor and texture.
Excellent! Thanks
That’s great! Enjoy!
Fresh and easy!
Yay! I’m so glad!
Thanks for this one! Turned out really good.
So glad to hear! Enjoy!