Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
A fresh, vibrant salad featuring juicy Sun Prairie tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a bright basil vinaigrette perfect for a light appetizer or side. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs whole fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 3 large, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds Sun Prairie tomatoes
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup, whole fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange 3 large Sun Prairie tomato slices and 8 oz fresh mozzarella slices alternately on a large serving platter, overlapping slightly.
- Step 2: Scatter 1 cup whole fresh basil leaves evenly over the tomato and mozzarella layers.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Drizzle the basil vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving to keep the basil fresh and vibrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese 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 Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese 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 whole fresh basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese 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 Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese 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 Sun Prairie Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese 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.