![- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For this Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad, freshness is key. When you select your tomatoes, look for ones that are bright and firm. Ripe tomatoes bring a sweet, juicy flavor that makes this dish pop. Fresh mozzarella is creamy and light. It melts in your mouth, enhancing the salad's texture. Basil adds a fragrant note. Use fresh basil leaves for the best taste. When it comes to olive oil, extra virgin is a must. It brings depth and richness. Balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly. Don’t forget the seasoning! Salt and pepper elevate every ingredient. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. They’re optional but tasty. This salad is simple yet bursting with flavor. You can find the full recipe above to get started! To start, I slice four large, ripe tomatoes. I make sure the slices are thick enough to hold up well. Next, I slice eight ounces of fresh mozzarella. This cheese adds a creamy touch. On a large serving platter, I arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices. I alternate the slices, slightly overlapping them for a nice look. After that, I tuck in fresh basil leaves between the slices. This adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. Now, let's make the dressing. I take a small bowl and whisk together three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of balsamic glaze. I add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, I include a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick to the salad. Once the dressing is ready, I drizzle it over the salad. I make sure to coat each slice with the dressing. This way, every bite is full of flavor. After drizzling, I let the salad sit for about five to ten minutes. This time allows the flavors to come together. The salad becomes even more delicious! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Choosing ripe tomatoes is key for flavor. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. They should have a bright color and a slight give when you press them. This ensures they are juicy and sweet. Fresh mozzarella is also important. It has a soft and creamy texture that makes the salad shine. Low-moisture mozzarella can work, but it lacks the freshness you want. Stick to fresh mozzarella for the best taste and texture. This salad makes a perfect side dish for summer meals. It pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or steak. The fresh flavors brighten up any plate. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This allows you to soak up the tasty dressing. It’s a simple way to elevate your meal. Enjoy the colors and flavors of summer with every bite! {{image_2}} You can easily change this salad up. Consider adding avocado for a creamy texture. It adds healthy fats and a nice bite. You can also use arugula. This peppery green brings a fun crunch and flavor. If you want a Mediterranean twist, stir in some olives. They add saltiness and depth. Sun-dried tomatoes can also work well. Their sweet and tangy profile pairs great with fresh tomatoes. Don't be afraid to play with your dressing. Different vinegars can change the taste. Try red wine vinegar for a bolder flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a sweet touch. You might want to use herbs in your dressing too. Fresh oregano or thyme can elevate the dish. For a unique flavor, use pesto instead of oil and vinegar. It gives a rich taste and pairs well with the cheese and tomatoes. Explore these options to make this Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad your own. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers are great because they don’t retain odors. You can also use plastic containers with a tight lid. Make sure to store the salad in the fridge right after serving. This helps maintain its taste and texture. If you have leftover dressing, store it in a separate container. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. Before serving leftovers, shake the dressing well. This ensures all the flavors mix again. Your salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. After that, the tomatoes and basil may wilt. To revive wilted ingredients, try gently rinsing them with cold water. This can help bring back some crunch. If the salad looks a bit sad, you can add a splash of fresh olive oil. This adds moisture and flavor. Always check for off smells or signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. Enjoy your fresh and easy Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad again! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It's best to prep it no more than 2 hours in advance. If you make it too early, the tomatoes can get soggy. To keep it fresh, store the salad without the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and the textures perfect. Fresh mozzarella is the best choice for this salad. It has a soft texture and rich flavor that pairs well with tomatoes. Regular mozzarella is firmer and dryer. It lacks the creaminess of fresh mozzarella. If you want a stronger taste, try burrata. It adds a lovely creaminess to the dish. To make this salad vegan, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese. Look for brands that mimic the taste of mozzarella. For the dressing, use a simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice. This will give a fresh flavor without dairy. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This blog post covered the essentials for creating a fresh tomato basil mozzarella salad. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. The variations and storage advice help you customize and keep your salad at its best. Remember, ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella make all the difference. Enjoy this simple dish as a tasty side or a light meal. With these tips, you can make it your own. Now, go ahead and impress with your new salad skills!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/db518311-6b6b-48f3-814a-9f7d66f95621-250x250.webp)
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
Savor the summer with this Tomato Basil Mozzarella Delight, a fresh and vibrant salad perfect for any gathering! Made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this dish is drizzled with a delicious olive oil and balsamic glaze dressing. Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy way to impress your guests.