Sun-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad
Vibrant heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella and basil, drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil 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 300 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
- 4 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 4 medium heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a large platter. Top with 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella.
- Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Drizzle vinaigrette over tomatoes and mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Let sit 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad?
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 medium heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad?
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-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad 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.
What goes well with Sun-Ripened Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So fresh and simple—perfect for hot days.
- ★★★★★
This salad was the highlight of our summer barbecue! The tomatoes were incredibly juicy and the mozzarella was creamy.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were great, but the salad was slightly bland without extra basil. Next time I'll add more fresh herbs.
