Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
A refreshing salad combining juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, dressed with a balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, sliced ripe tomatoes, cubed fresh mozzarella, chiffonaded 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, sliced ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup, cubed fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup, chiffonaded fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, arrange 4 sliced ripe tomatoes in a single layer.
- Step 2: Top with 1 cup cubed fresh mozzarella and 1/4 cup chiffonaded basil.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss again until the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato and 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 Tomato and 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, sliced ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and 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 Tomato and 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 Tomato and 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
