Nothing beats the simple, fresh flavors of a classic Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad. Inspired by traditional Italian Caprese, this no-cook recipe highlights ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil brought together with high-quality olive oil. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather or anytime you want something quick yet impressive.
This salad is all about letting fresh ingredients shine. Juicy tomatoes provide natural sweetness, while soft mozzarella adds richness and balance. Fresh basil ties everything together with its bright, aromatic flavor, making each bite clean, vibrant, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
One of the best things about this tomato basil mozzarella salad is how versatile it is. Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish for grilled meats, or a light lunch on its own. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday meals, making it a go-to recipe year-round.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, building a healthy weeknight menu, or looking for a quick dish that never goes out of style, this fresh Caprese-style salad delivers every time. With just a few minutes of prep and minimal ingredients, it’s proof that simple food can still be incredibly flavorful and unforgettable.
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Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad is a fresh, vibrant classic that celebrates simple ingredients at their best. Juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil come together in minutes for a light appetizer, side dish, or summer lunch.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 large ripe tomatoes (or 1 1/2 lbs cherry/grape tomatoes), sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
Arrange tomato slices on a serving platter, slightly overlapping.
Add slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella between the tomatoes.
Scatter fresh basil leaves over the salad.
Drizzle evenly with olive oil and balsamic glaze (if using).
Season with salt and black pepper just before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use room-temperature tomatoes for the best flavor.
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Fresh mozzarella packed in water gives the creamiest texture—pat it dry before slicing.
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Add salt at the very end to prevent the tomatoes from releasing excess moisture.
Variations
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Classic Caprese: Skip balsamic and use only olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or prosciutto slices.
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Avocado Twist: Layer in sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
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Pesto Style: Drizzle with basil pesto instead of olive oil.
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Mediterranean: Add olives and a sprinkle of oregano for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
