Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When summer is in full swing and tomatoes are at their absolute peak, there’s one salad that is a must-make in my kitchen: a vibrant Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of sweet, juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a light, zesty dressing is an unbeatable classic. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough to throw together for a simple weeknight meal.
I first fell in love with this salad on a trip to Italy, where a similar dish, Caprese salad, is a staple. The key is using the highest quality ingredients you can find. A great tomato needs very little else to shine, and that’s what this recipe is all about. This salad is a testament to the fact that some of the best food is the simplest. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy the season’s bounty.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad is the harmony of flavors and textures. The different colors of the heirloom tomatoes make the salad visually stunning, and each variety brings its own unique flavor profile, from sweet to slightly tangy. This pairs beautifully with the mild, milky flavor of fresh mozzarella. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, peppery note, and the simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings it all together with a perfect balance of richness and acidity.
This salad is also incredibly quick and easy. There’s no cooking required, just a little chopping and assembling. This makes it an ideal side dish for a hot day when you don’t want to turn on the stove. It’s a healthy, refreshing, and satisfying side that pairs wonderfully with so many different meals. For another great easy appetizer, you might also like my recipe for This Baked Brie Appetizer is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests—they’re both perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs assorted heirloom tomatoes, sliced or cut into wedges
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or a large ball), torn or sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or left whole
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red onion slices, for a little extra bite
Swaps and Notes
- Heirloom Tomatoes: The more variety, the better! Use different colors, shapes, and sizes for a beautiful presentation and a complex flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is a must. Don’t substitute with the pre-shredded kind, as it won’t have the same creamy, delicate texture. Bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) are a great option for a beautiful look.
- Basil: Fresh basil is non-negotiable here. Dried basil simply won’t give you the same fragrant, fresh flavor.
- Dressing: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of vinegar gives a thicker, sweeter finish.
- Seasoning: A good flaky sea salt like Maldon is perfect for a finishing touch. Don’t be shy with the fresh black pepper!
Directions
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds or wedges and arrange them on a large platter or serving dish. If you’re using a large ball of mozzarella, tear it into rustic pieces and tuck them in between the tomatoes. If you’re using bocconcini, simply scatter them over the platter.
- Add the Basil: Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the ingredients at their peak freshness.
Tips for Success
- Use the Best Ingredients: Because this recipe is so simple, the quality of your ingredients truly matters. Splurge on fresh mozzarella and good heirloom tomatoes from a farmer’s market if you can.
- Season Last: Add the salt and pepper just before serving. Salt can draw moisture out of the tomatoes, so seasoning too early can make them watery.
- Don’t Over-Dress: A simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is all you need. You want the tomatoes to be the star, not the dressing.
- Mix Up the Presentation: A beautiful presentation makes this salad even better. Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella in a pleasing pattern on a platter for a show-stopping dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad is a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great addition to a spread of appetizers. For another great summer side, you might want to try my recipe for A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight. To complete the meal, a fun and easy drink like my This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days would be a perfect match.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This salad is a great source of protein and healthy fats, with a good dose of vitamins from the fresh tomatoes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This salad is best served fresh. The tomatoes will get watery and the mozzarella can become firm if stored in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for a day, but I recommend only making as much as you plan to eat.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious meals, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a fun, interactive dinner, my This Walking Taco Bar is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is always a huge hit. For a fantastic party appetizer, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
This Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad is a recipe that celebrates the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients. It’s a gorgeous, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that is the perfect way to savor the best of summer.
I hope you give this recipe a try and that it brings a little bit of sunshine to your dinner table. What’s your favorite kind of summer salad? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: A Simple and Elegant Summer Side
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or a large ball)
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4-6 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and scatter over the tomatoes.
- Add fresh basil leaves over the salad.
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or allow to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
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