Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, drizzled with a basil-infused vinaigrette for a refreshing starter. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs Heirloom tomatoes, Fresh mozzarella ball, Fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 3 large heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a large serving plate.
  2. Step 2: Slice 8 oz fresh mozzarella ball into 1/4-inch thick rounds and alternate with tomato slices on the plate.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the basil vinaigrette evenly over the tomato and mozzarella slices.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves over the top for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately as a light appetizer or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garden-Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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