The most festive summer tomato mozzarella salad with balsamic reduction. Make this as an appetizer or side and you’ll be the talk of the party! 

It’s so delicious with Open-Faced Salmon Burgers to serve as a side.

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What is Caprese Salad?

If you’re unfamiliar, caprese salad is an Italian dish made with layered slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil seasoned with olive oil, salt, and often balsamic vinegar. Commonly served at restaurants, it’s actually really easy to make at home, too. Especially when you follow my tried and true recipe. It doesn’t have a 5-star rating for nothing, after all! 

A family favorite during the summer, my recipe is great for a crowd. In fact, we bring it to every BBQ, potluck, and gathering. My friends and family request that I bring it, and given that it comes together in minutes I happily oblige. 

Unlike traditional layered caprese salads, I like to stack the ingredients, making it even easier to assemble. Plus, they pack snuggly into the dish, meaning the salad travels well, too! 

My secret to achieving the best flavor is to season the ingredients well with salt and pepper just before serving. This adds bold flavor and prevents the tomatoes from becoming soggy.

Close up tomato mozzarella salad with balsamic reduction

Tomato Mozzarella Ingredients

This tomato and mozzarella salad is one of the quickest and easiest salads you can put together.

It’s made with ingredients that are easily available year-round but of course, this mozzarella salad tastes the best in the summertime. You’ll need:

  • Hothouse tomatoes (beefsteak), slightly on the firm side
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze or make your own with balsamic vinegar (see below)
Ingredients for tomato and mozzarella salad

Balsamic Reduction Recipe

To speedy up the prep, you can pick up a bottle of balsamic glaze at the store. However, if you do decide to make your own balsamic reduction, you’ll just need one ingredient: balsamic vinegar.

You’ll want to add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer, partially covered, for about 20-30 minutes or until reduced to a thicker glaze.

Reduce heat if needed. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Step by step instructions on how to make balsamic reduction

How to Make Caprese Salad (Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad)

This mozzarella salad is best served the same day. If making your own balsamic reduction, prepare it ahead of time to save on prep time.

  •  Step 1: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange with the basil leaves in an alternating pattern in a serving dish. You want a dish that you can easily stand the slices in a vertical pattern.
Step by step on how to make tomato mozzarella salad
  • Step 2: Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Step by step instructions to make fresh tomato mozzarella salad recipe
  • Step 3: Season with salt and pepper. Serve right away. It tastes the best at room temperature.
Step by step on how to make fresh mozzarella salad with tomatoes and basil

What to Serve with Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Enjoy this fresh mozzarella salad as an appetizer or top a crusty slice of bread with this salad for a light lunch. You can also serve the salad alongside these entrées.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad FAQs

Best tomatoes for caprese

Any fresh tomatoes will do. However, beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are most commonly used because they have a sweet flavor and create large, sturdy slices perfect for layering.

What is a substitute for basil in caprese salad?

Baby spinach, fresh mint, or thyme are common substitutes for fresh basil. I also like using dried oregano or Italian seasoning when I don’t have fresh basil. Just keep in mind that the flavor of your caprese salad will vary, depending on what you choose.

Can you eat caprese salad as a meal?

Yes, serve this salad on its own or with crusty sourdough garlic breadfor a light lunch. Or, bulk it up by topping it with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Balsamic reduction drizzled over tomato mozzarella salad recipe

Video: How to Make Caprese Salad

If you try our tomato mozzarella salad, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 8-10
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slicing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

The most festive tomato mozzarella salad with balsamic reduction. Make this as an appetizer or side and you’ll be the talk of the party!


Ingredients

  • 4-5 hothouse (beefsteak) tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 2 (16 oz.) logs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • Generous bunch of fresh basil leaves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Coarse sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • Balsamic glaze (or make your own – see below)

Instructions

  1. In a casserole type dish (I used 8X11X3) arrange slices of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil vertically, in an alternating patten until you have created two rows. You may have more rows depending on the size of the dish.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, followed by a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
  3. Sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • I like to use tomatoes that are slightly on the firm side. I find that they slice and hold up a little better.
  • To make homemade balsamic reduction: add 2 cups balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan, bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook 20-30 minutes, partially covered, until balsamic vinegar has reduced to a thicker glaze. Keep an eye on it as it burns easily. Cool and store covered in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 9.9 g
  • Sodium: 584 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
  • Protein: 20.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 71.8 mg