• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Yummy Bowl
  • Browse by Category
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • One-Pot Meals
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Pasta
    • Sandwiches & Wraps
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Cooking Tips and Ideas
    • Popular Recipes
  • Browse by Season
    • Fall
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Winter
  • Browse by Protein
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Fish
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Salads

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Apr 13, 2024 · Last updated: Aug 8, 2024 by Julia · 9 Comments · this post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
Tomato Mozzarella Salad in a white bowl

Tomato Mozzarella Salad is a bright and fresh summer appetizer, bursting with juicy seasonal tomatoes, soft and creamy mozzarella balls, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, simple seasoning, and freshly sliced basil.

Tomato Mozzarella Salad in a white bowl

Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese Salad)

If you like easy and fresh salad recipes please take a look at my similar recipes such as Cabbage and Cucumber Salad With Dill and Marinated Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad.

Jump To
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese Salad)
  • Ingredients
  • Tips
  • Storing Instructions
  • Did You Like This Recipe?
  • Recipe Card
  • Instructions
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad: FAQs
  • Side Salad Recipes
  • Comments

Serve this delicious salad as a great side dish to garlic chicken pasta, baked ziti, over scrambled eggs, over baked fish, or on top of crusty gluten free bread similar to tomato bruschetta. 

Tomato Mozzarella Salad ingredients

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.

Ingredients

  • Mini Mozzarella balls (Bocconcini) - slice them with a cheese knife or use your fingers for a more rustic look. Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed, could be used instead if cheese balls cannot be sourced. 
  • Tomatoes - depending on the size of the ripe tomatoes used, you can either cut them into quarters or in half. Use grape, sweet cherry tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes as a substitute. I also recommend those tips on handling and storing tomatoes correctly for juicy and ripe flavor.
  • Balsamic vinegar - this is the popular choice for this simple Italian salad but you could also use balsamic reduction or red wine vinegar. 
  • Lemon juice - not bottled! 
  • Olive oil - using olive oil of the highest quality will make a huge difference to the taste of this fresh Caprese salad. There are some easy key factors to look into when purchasing olive oil.
  • Fresh basil - Slice the fresh basil into finely cut ribbons. Choose large basil leaves of the same size to easily make basil chiffonade. 

Step by step photos can be found below the recipe card.

Tips

  • Buy your tomatoes directly from a farmer's market to get the best tomatoes during tomato season. 
  • Using the best quality olive oil will really add to the flavor of this salad. Something like Italian Nocellara extra virgin olive oil is great although you can use whatever quality brand that you enjoy the most. 
  • To intensify the flavors in this simple salad, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. If you do, only add the basil just before serving as it will wilt and turn brown quickly. 

Storing Instructions

  • To Store: This salad is best when served right away. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days, however, the flavor is not the freshest on the second day.
  • Make ahead: Dressing can be made in advance for 1-2 days but for best results, other ingredients should be cut and combined right before serving.

🍅 Have too many cherry tomatoes? Freeze them for later!

Tomato Mozzarella Salad in a white bowl

Did You Like This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Recipe Card

mini mozzarella tomato salad.

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

Julia
Enjoy a refreshing Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, featuring ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
5 from 3 votes
Print SaveSaved! Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 as side salad

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.

INGREDIENTS
  

  • 8 oz mini mozzarella balls, whole or cut in half ( I used medium-mini size and cut them in half into bite size pieces)
  • 2 cups tomatoes in season, cut into quarters or half depending on size.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, good quality makes a huge difference
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • In a large bowl add all the salad dressing ingredients.
  • Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella balls and toss in the dressing.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in the basil chiffonade.
  • Basil should go in last, right before serving as it will wilt and get brown after a while.

ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

Click here to add your own private notes.
Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl add all the salad dressing ingredients.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into quarters, add the mozzarella balls and toss all in the dressing.
  3. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in the basil chiffonade.
  4. Basil should go in last, right before serving as it will wilt and get brown after a while.
tomato basil mozzarella salad dressing mixed in a bowl
freshly cut tomatoes in a bowl
tomatoes and mozzarella balls mixed in a bowl
Tomato Mozzarella Salad in a white bowl

Tomato Mozzarella Salad: FAQs

What type of tomato is best for this fresh mozzarella salad?

You can use cherry tomatoes as a smaller tomato type for this salad. Brandywine tomatoes are larger and would therefore need to be cut down in size but they are one of the most flavorful tomatoes for salads.

Consider adding extra color to this salad by using bright yellow heirloom tomatoes, or a combination of cherry and heirloom tomatoes.

What if I can’t find mozzarella balls?

If you can’t source mozzarella balls, go ahead and add cubed mozzarella cheese from a block of mozzarella cheese.

This will create the same flavors even if it makes the salad look a little different.

What’s the difference between this salad and a traditional Caprese salad?

The ingredients for this tomato basil mozzarella salad and a classic Italian Caprese salad are basically the same. The difference is merely the way the salads are presented.


In a classic Caprese salad, the tomatoes are usually sliced and added to a flat serving dish with crumbled mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, seasoning, and balsamic dressing. 

What does it mean to “chiffonade” fresh basil?

This is a preparation technique used to cut leafy green vegetables and herbs. It’s essentially cutting the fresh basil leaves into finely sliced pieces.

To do this, stack the basil leaves, roll them into a cigar shape, and then slice them into thin ribbons using a sharp knife. 

Side Salad Recipes

  • marinated cucumber tomato onion salad.
    Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad (5 Minutes To Assemble)
  • Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a black bowl.
    Cucumber Strawberry Salad (6 Ingredients)
  • pesto potato salad in a wooden bowl
    20-minute Roasted Potato Salad
  • corn avocado summer salad.
    Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
« Tomato and Onion Salad (10 Minutes!)
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vivian Smith

    April 28, 2024 at 12:00 am

    Absolutely adore the simplicity yet elegance of this salad. Julia, your choice of ingredients and the detailed instructions made it a breeze to recreate. It’s going on my blog with a shoutout to you!

    Reply
  2. Sandra Dee

    April 24, 2024 at 5:58 pm

    Julia, your instructions for the salad were spot-on! I appreciated the tips on choosing the freshest ingredients. My garden tomatoes were a perfect match. Delicious outcome!

    Reply
  3. Mike_J

    April 23, 2024 at 12:14 am

    just tried making this salad for a small get together. huge hit with my friends. who knew something so simple could taste so good? props Julia

    Reply
  4. Tara M.

    April 21, 2024 at 6:54 pm

    Hey Julia, loved the mozzarella and tomato salad recipe, it's just what I've been looking for to add some healthy variety to our meals.

    Reply
    • Alex K.

      April 25, 2024 at 7:43 pm

      Hey Tara, not Julia here but I've used cashew cheese in similar recipes and it's fantastic. Blends well without overwhelming the dish!

      Reply
    • Julia

      April 28, 2024 at 12:58 pm

      thanks Tara!!!

      Reply
  5. Cindy

    June 11, 2023 at 9:34 am

    Does the cheese get a brownish color using the balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      June 18, 2023 at 1:32 am

      From red wine not so much but balsamic yes. The more the salad sits the color of cheese will change. It is best to be served right away or you can add cheese last minute.

      Reply
  6. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

    June 26, 2022 at 2:23 am

    5 stars
    Very fresh and flavorful side salad for any occasion!

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

Readers Favorites

  • oatmeal cookies.
    No Sugar Added Healthy Breakfast Cookies (With Dried Fruit and Nuts)
  • a stack of banana oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips
    Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips
  • slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs
    Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker)
  • cabbage roll casserole with cheese.
    Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole (with Ground Beef)
  • marinated cucumber tomato onion salad.
    Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad (5 Minutes To Assemble)
  • roasted asparagus with cheese and tomatoes.
    Roasted Asparagus With Parmesan (And Tomatoes)

Connect With Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

↑ back to top

About

Contact

Services

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Terms & Conditions

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Youtube

Copyright © 2021 The Yummy Bowl

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.