Created on September 14th, 2025 at 04:01 pm
Fresh, vibrant, and ready in just 5 minutes!
This Tomato Mozzarella Salad is everything we love about summer in one vibrant dish! 🍅🧀 Juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (and optional balsamic glaze!) come together in just 5 minutes. It’s the kind of salad that looks stunning on the table but takes almost no effort to make. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping a quick lunch, or building an appetizer board for a holiday gathering, this Caprese salad is your go-to. You’ll love how light, fresh, and flavorful it is — plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for everything from Christmas lunch to weeknight dinners.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any tomato salad — it’s a celebration of seasonal simplicity. The bold, bright flavors come straight from using high-quality ingredients: sweet tomatoes, rich mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s naturally affordable, quick to make, and easy to serve. Bonus? No stove or oven needed! The salad works as a side, appetizer, or even a light meal, especially when paired with crusty bread. You can customize it with peaches, avocado, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of oregano. Kids love the soft cheese, adults love the sophistication, and you’ll love the 5-minute prep and zero cleanup. This is one of those healthy simple salads that looks elegant but feels effortless.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 sides
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 lb heirloom tomatoes (red, yellow, or mixed), sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls or logs, torn or sliced
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze or vinegar (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Large serving plate or platter
- Spoon for drizzling
- Optional: mixing bowl (if prepping ingredients separately)
🥗 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut your tomatoes into thick, even slices. 🍅 - Prep the mozzarella
Tear or slice the mozzarella depending on your style preference. Tearing gives a creamy, rustic look. - Assemble the salad
Layer tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving plate, alternating pieces. Tuck fresh basil leaves between layers for color and aroma. 🌿 - Season & dress
Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Add balsamic glaze if using for extra depth and sweetness. - Let it rest
Let the salad sit at room temp for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to pool slightly — that’s your natural dressing! - Serve & enjoy
Serve as-is, or with crusty bread to scoop up the tomato and oil mixture. 😍🍽️
💡 Pro Tips
- Use seasonal tomatoes: The fresher, the better — especially heirloom varieties for color and taste.
- Tear your mozzarella: Tearing exposes more surface area and creates a better mouthfeel.
- Prep ahead: Slice everything and keep in airtight containers for up to 1 day. Assemble just before serving.
- Flavor twist: Add avocado, thin red onion slices, or roasted pine nuts.
- Serving idea: Serve alongside grilled meats, pasta, or crusty focaccia for a fuller meal.
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 273 | 18g | 13g | 18g | 7g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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