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Fresh, light, and healthy tomato mozzarella salad is served with basil and balsamic glaze. It makes a tasty side salad at dinner!
This simple tomato mozzarella salad is one of our favorites because it’s quick and delicious. If you love the caprese flavors, we recommend trying some of our other favorites including Caprese Pizza and Caprese Kabobs.
aka CAPRESE Salad
This tomato mozzarella salad is one of my all-time favorite foods. It’s a quick and simple salad that can be whipped up in no time. Whether it’s a side dish or appetizer – it can’t be beat.
Something about the combination of fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, thick mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of that balsamic glaze is so amazingly delicious.
Ever wonder why it’s called a “Caprese” salad? This salad comes from Italy – from the island of Capri! That’s where it gets its name. If you love salad, you’ll love this easy one!
Different ways to serve
The star of this insalata caprese is the fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. I was able to find mozzarella slices that are just about the same size as sliced beefsteak tomatoes. The alternating layers with the balsamic drizzle turned out as pretty as it was delicious.
ASSEMBLE. Cut tomatoes in thick slices. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella on your plate.
SEASON. Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with pepper. Garnish with fresh basil.
Variations. As with many recipes, this mozzarella and tomato salad can be customized to fit your preferences.
- Use mozzarella balls and sweet cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Toss together and top with the basil and glaze.
- Add sliced red onions to the alternating layers.
- Sprinkle on fresh parsley or sea salt.
- Skip the balsamic dressing and drizzle with olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some of our best Italian dishes to serve this salad with:
So many options. Practically, any pasta or pizza dish would be great with this salad!
Best Balsamic Reductions
Our favorite balsamic reduction is the Modena Creamy Balsamic Glaze. But you can also make your own!
Make your own by mixing balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (4 parts vinegar to 1 part sugar) over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the mixture reduces by half.
Recipe FAQ
In today’s world, it can be tricky to know if a certain dish is authentic to the country it’s said to be from, but this caprese salad is not one of them. It is completely authentic. Not only are the main ingredients used in kitchens across Italy, but the colors represent the Italian flag. The genius behind the dish was a patriotic stone worker living on the island of Capri.
Both the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella are high in moisture and can weep. I would recommend preparing the tomatoes and cheese 1-2 days in advance and storing the sliced ingredients in separate containers. Assemble the salad a few hours before serving and keep it covered and in the fridge, until you’re ready to set it out.
One slice of tomato and one slice of cheese create a serving. They are then cut with a fork so you get a piece of each one in every bite.
For More Caprese Recipes, Try:
- Caprese Pizza
- Caprese Stuffed Avocados
- Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
- Quick Caprese Salad
- Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 beefsteak tomatoes
- 12 ounces fresh Mozzarella thick sliced
- fresh basil leaves
- balsamic glaze
- black pepper optional
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes in thick slices. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella on your plate.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with pepper. Garnish with fresh basil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Your Tomato Mozzarella Salad is easy to make, healthy, delicious. What more could you ask for?
I love eating this for lunch. It is so refreshing/good and just hits the spot. Plus it looks so pretty when it’s made.
This looks so delicious and flavorful!
I love these kind of salads. Quick and refreshing. GReat combination of flavors!
This is delicious! I love the Caprese flavors! Goes so great with so many meals!
Super easy & so, so good! I love caprese recipes. The combination of tomato, mozzarella, & balsamic glaze is the best!
What a beautiful way to serve this salad. Its light and easy to put together.
So quick and easy to make… and delicious! This recipe is perfect for a quick elegant contribution to a dinner party.
I am glad you think so 🙂 Thank you!!