Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad
A refreshing Italian salad made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Quick to assemble, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, this Caprese salad is the perfect side or appetizer for any meal.
Equipment
- 1 Tart dish (or serving platter)
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 15 fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by choosing ripe, firm tomatoes that are vibrant in color and slightly soft to the touch. Rinse them well under cool running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even, medium-thick rounds. The slices should be thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to bite into easily, ensuring the salad feels light and refreshing. Set the tomato slices aside on a plate.
- Slice the Mozzarella: Take the ball of fresh mozzarella and drain any liquid it may be packed in. Place it on a cutting board and, using a clean sharp knife, cut it into slices of similar thickness to the tomatoes. This consistency in size helps create a balanced bite in every forkful and makes the salad visually appealing when assembled. If the mozzarella is extra soft, chill it briefly in the fridge before slicing to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare the Basil Leaves: Select fresh basil leaves that are whole and unblemished for the best aroma and flavor. Rinse them gently under cool water, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Keep the leaves whole if you prefer a traditional look, or tear them into smaller pieces for a rustic style. Whole leaves tucked between slices add elegance, while torn basil provides bursts of flavor in each bite.
- Arrange the Salad Base: Choose a tart dish, shallow platter, or flat serving plate as the base for your salad. Start by laying out the tomato slices in a circular pattern or slightly overlapping rows, depending on the shape of your dish. Place each tomato slice so that a bit of the previous slice is still visible, creating a scalloped effect that looks beautiful and inviting.
- Layer with Cheese and Basil: Slide a slice of mozzarella cheese next to each tomato slice, tucking a fresh basil leaf between them. Continue alternating tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil until the entire dish is filled. This layering technique creates an eye-catching presentation and ensures every serving has the perfect combination of flavors—juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
- Season with Olive Oil: Once the arrangement is complete, slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad. Pouring in a thin, steady stream allows the oil to coat the tomatoes and mozzarella without making the dish greasy. The olive oil not only enhances flavor but also adds healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying.
- Finish with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle a light pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the salad. Be gentle with the salt since mozzarella already contains sodium, and the tomatoes will release their natural juices. The pepper should add just enough warmth to balance the richness of the cheese and the freshness of the basil.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the flavors meld together and allows the olive oil and seasonings to soak slightly into the tomatoes and mozzarella, making every bite more flavorful and balanced.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the salad directly in the tart dish or carefully transfer it onto individual plates. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled meats, or a simple pasta dish. Each bite should capture the essence of summer—refreshing, light, and satisfying.
Notes
- Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness. Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties work especially well.
- Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but burrata can be substituted for a creamier twist.
- Extra virgin olive oil gives the salad a rich, fruity finish—avoid lighter or refined oils.
- For a rustic style, chop the tomatoes and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and toss them with torn basil leaves.
- You can create layered “Caprese towers” by stacking slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil vertically for a more elegant presentation.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze or reduction can add a sweet-tangy balance to the flavors, though it is optional.
- Always let the salad rest briefly before serving; this step deepens the flavors and brings everything together beautifully.
