With just 6 ingredients, this simple Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad will be your new go-to summer side! This tomato mozzarella basil salad is made with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and a 3-ingredient balsamic vinaigrette. This Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes tastes incredible!
The BEST Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad Recipe!
When it gets oppressively hot in the summer I have no desire to cook over a hot stove. I tend to gravitate to salads like my Italian Chopped Salad and Grilled Salmon Salad that are substantial enough on their own, but light enough as a simple summer meal.
This Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes definitely fits into this category and is the perfect summer salad to enjoy any time the mood strikes.
The best part of this salad is that it’s incredibly simple to make. Since it’s just 6 ingredients, it comes together in moments, making for a fantastic no-fuss side dish or even meal on its own.
What do I need to make tomato basil mozzarella salad?
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – 2 pints, any color or assortment
- Fresh Mozzarella – “pearl” size, if not available you can use any size of fresh mozzarella available
- Fresh Basil Leaves – fresh basil leaves can be found with the fresh herbs in the grocery store produce section. During Summer months you can also find fresh basil at most local farmers markets.
- Balsamic Vinegar – idea for making a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Olive Oil – pairs with the vinegar to make the dressing for this salad.
- Ground Pepper – the pepper adds the perfect amount of spice to compliment the basil in this salad.
(For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!)
How do I make Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad?
Step 1: Rinse and Slice Cherry Tomatoes
When selecting the tomatoes for this salad, you can go just about any direction you like. I chose some gorgeous tri-color cherry tomatoes, that were incredibly sweet and added some fantastic color. However, heirloom, plum, Roma or Campari are also delicious varieties that are great in this salad.
When cutting the tomatoes, halve or quarter the tomatoes. For larger tomatoes (like heirloom) simply cut into smaller wedges.
What’s the best place to buy cherry tomatoes?
I’ve discovered that Costco carries cherry tomatoes all year. Check out my page for all the Things I Buy At Costco for healthy meals and snacks. It’s a great price for the size/container you receive.
During the summer months many farmers markets carry locally grown tomatoes, which always taste superb.
What mozzarella is best for tomato mozzarella basil salad?
For this tomato salad, I chose the small “pearl” sized mozzarella that can be found in most grocery stores. However, if the pearls are not available, you can use a ball of fresh mozzarella and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Where do I find fresh basil for caprese salad?
You can usually find basil year-round at most grocery stores. You can find it in the produce section where you would find the fresh herbs. During most summer months, basil is readily available at local farmers markets.
For the basil, add about 6-8 medium leaves that have been sliced or torn into small pieces. I personally LOVE the taste and peppery aroma of basil, so I add quite a bit. Feel free to add the amount of basil that best suits your taste.
What dressing is best for caprese salad with cherry tomatoes?
Balsamic dressing is idea for tomato basil mozzarella salad. It consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and ground pepper.
To a small dish or measuring cup, pour in the olive oil, vinegar, and pepper and whisk. Occasionally, I’ll also add a few grinds of salt or some minced garlic to the dressing, but it’s certainly just an option.
After whisking the dressing together, pour over the tomatoes, cheese and basil and gently toss to coat.
Looking for some healthier homemade dressing recipes? Check these out:
- Healthy Homemade Italian Dressing
- Healthy Caesar Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Lemon Olive Oil Dressing
That’s it – just 3 salad ingredients and 3 dressing ingredients and you’ll have the most wonderful tomato basil mozzarella salad. We love enjoying this caprese salad with grilled steak, chicken, or pork chops and is great with your next pasta meal.
What goes well with caprese salad?
Grilled chicken, steak and pork chops are great served with this caprese salad with cherry tomatoes. It’s also fantastic with almost any Italian pasta dish. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that go well with tomato basil mozzarella salad.
- Italian Grilled Chicken
- Skillet Lasagna
- Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Caprese Chicken
- Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Caprese Grilled Filet Mignon at Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Maple Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
- Italian Mini Meatloaf
- Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Tortellini
The next time you’re at the farmers market or grocery store, be sure to pick up some of the summer’s best tomatoes and basil. Those red, orange and golden tomatoes are loaded with flavor. When paired with fresh, fragrant basil and mozzarella you’ll quickly discover a new summer favorite!
Could you use more summer salad inspiration? Check out these delicious salad ideas:
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- Italian Tortellini Salad
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Greek Tortellini Salad
- Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Classic Macaroni Salad
Here’s the simple, delicious recipe for tomato mozzarella basil salad recipe:
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Video
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.
- Santoku Knife This 7" santoku knife comes with a bonus 5" knife. Sold through Macy's and at an AMAZING price I've never seen anywhere!
- Cutting Boards This 3-Pack of non-slip cutting boards are a fantastic tool for every home cook.
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry Tomatoes, any color or assortment about 24 oz.
- 1 (8 oz. container) fresh mozzarella "pearls"
- 6-8 basil leaves sliced or torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- fresh ground pepper 4-6 grinds
Instructions
- Slice all of the tomatoes in half, for larger tomatoes, slice into quarters. Add tomatoes into large mixing bowl. Drain the mozzarella of any liquid, and add the cheese to the tomatoes. Slice or tear the basil leaves and add to the tomatoes and cheese.
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and pepper. Whisk to combine and pour over the salad. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve right away. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Where did you find the tiny balls of fresh mozzarella? The salad looks great! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner link up!
One of my favourite salads.I love the colour and flavour combinations. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing with us at #overthemoon link party. I’ve shared on social media. Have a great week and see you at the next OTM.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
http://www.sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au
I could make a meal of this with some crusty bread. YUM!!! Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? Hope to see you again next week!
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Such a healthy dish to bring at this week’s Fiesta Friday party! Thank you!
Now this is a salad. Yummy! Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party
Looks like the perfect summer salad! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday!
Congratulations !
Your recipe in on The Top Ten for Full Plate Thursday this week! Thanks so much for sharing with us and enjoy your new Red Plate. Have a fantastic week and come back to see us soon.
Miz Helen
What a beautiful presentation and great photos. This is just the kind of salad I love in the summer. We grow cherry tomatoes and we get so many of them everyday. I’m always looking for ways to serve them. Love this. Pinning it
what a summer time treat this could go along with so many different meals or served alone
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This looks so colorful! I love the mix of ingredients you used here. The salad must be so delicious! I’m going to try it tomorrow, I bet I’ll love it! =)
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I love tomatoes and mozzarella cheese so I believe that this salad has got to be a winner for me. Thank you for sharing at Nifty Thrifty Sundays.
I just love a caprese salad and yours is super easy! Putting this on the menu for the week.
I love the little mozzarella balls! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
Looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing at the To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More Wednesday Link Party! Pinned!
One of my favorite salads. Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
What a beautiful presentation! Love it! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
That looks delicious! I love a light summary salad like this. Pinned.
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.
I love caprese salad. The yellow and red tomatoes are so gorgeous. Sounds delicious!
#inspirememondaylinky
Absolutely beautiful salad! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
Wow! Talk about gorgeous! This is beautiful AND delicious! I’ve got an event coming up, and this would be the perfect dish to take! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! <3
This looks delicious! Such a simple salad, yet I can imagine what a burst of flavours this would be. Just perfect for the summers.
Tomatoes and a vinegar dressing is always a good combo for summer. Pinned and featuring it on tonight’s MM party.
Your Tomato Basil Mozzarlla Salad was featured on Full Plate Thursday and pinned to our special features board last week! Hope you enjoyed the blog love and thanks so much for sharing with us!
Miz Helen
This is looking so delicious and tasty tomato salad recipe. I really like it. Thank you for sharing it.