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. We also love this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. It’s the perfect make ahead salad for summer cookouts and potlucks.
TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA SALAD
Tomato mozzarella salad is a summer favorite. Sweet ripe tomatoes with pillowy soft mozzarella and fresh basil.
Drizzled with delicious balsamic reduction that you can make ahead of time or even better, pick one up at the store.
It’s one of those salads that you can serve as an appetizer or throw in some tender greens and enjoy it for a light lunch.
Ingredients for Tomato Mozzarella Salad
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)
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.
How to Make Tomato and Mozzarella 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 1/4-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 2: Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Step 3: Season with salt and pepper. Serve right away. It tastes the best at room temperature.
What to Serve with Tomato 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 along side these entrées.
- Healthy Chicken Meatballs
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Easy Roasted Herb Chicken
- Grilled Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
If you try this Tomato Mozzarella Salad, don’t forget to leave feedback and a rating.
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PinDescription
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 1/4-inch thick
- 2 (16 oz.) logs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-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
- 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.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, followed by a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- 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.
Keywords: summer, vegetables, creamy, grilling, easy
Tomato Mozzarella Salad was first published in February 2015. Updated with new photos and text in July 2019.
Olga says
I love this fresh combination, perfect to bring to a dinner!
Kelly says
I added a layer of avocado slices too. Turned out great! Thanks.
Katya says
Oh yum! That sounds so delicious!
Jules says
I can’t wait for the summer to make this tomato mozzarella salad! I love the balsamic reduction dressing here too, Katya! Such a delicious flavour combo!
★★★★★
Katya says
Thank you!
Dee says
You just can’t go wrong with a tomato mozzarella salad. The basil and balsamic reduction is the best part! This Caprese salad is so perfect for summertime!
★★★★★
Katya says
Thank you!
ND says
The tomato mozzarella salad looks mouthwatering. I love this recipe for summer picnics and all the parties that we do. Thank you for sharing the mouthwatering balsamic dressing!
★★★★★
Katya says
Thank you !
Jon says
Would one want to season the tomatoes with the salt, pepper, oil, reduction BEFORE stacking them so the seasoning isn’t on just the top skin of the tomatoes of stacked layers???
Just wondering….
Katya says
Hi Jon: you don’t want to season too much as the tomatoes will release a lot of their juices (water). So a simple sprinkle on top is usually enough.
Maya M says
Hey there! Just wanted you to know that your delicious recipe was featured here:
★★★★★
Katya says
Thanks so much for sharing!
Silvia lamb says
What suggestions do you have for a main coarse to serve with this super delicious salad?
★★★★★
Katya says
It goes with just about anything but I think my favorite is chicken dishes.
KalynsKitchen says
Happy Friday! Just letting you know I am featuring this recipe today for Low-Carb Recipe Love on Fridays! I hope a lot of my readers will come and check it out, looks amazing!
Katya says
Thanks so much for sharing Kalyn!
Mary says
I made this today with Romas and basil from my garden. Oh my! The balsamic reduction was perfect. Thank you! This is a keeper!
Katya says
Oh that’s so great Mary! I bet your tomatoes and basil were absolutely heavenly in this salad. Thank you, thank you so much for your review!
Kelly says
I make this frequently, but I add a little honey to my reduction. Absolutely delicious!!!
★★★★★
Katya says
Thanks for the tip Kelly! Honey sounds amazing!
Tracy says
I made it with my gorgepus man…so divine….gonna do the balsamic reduction after reading all the comments
Best salad…..my man loves my cooking
I love making hin food
Jenny says
OMG this looks delicious! I think I’ve found a new favourite use for my basil!
★★★★★
Katya says
Thanks so much Jenny!
Elona says
Hello Maria I would like to make tomato mozzarella salad but it doesn’t said how muchis olive oil .thanks
Katya says
Hi Elona, there is no specific amount. You want to drizzle olive oil lightly over the salad to taste.
Wendy says
As I read your recipe it’s not quite Spring and I’m so craving this combination! I’ve got to see if I can find fresh basil in the store so I can make a pan ahead for lunches this week. If the little jar of balsamic doesn’t disappear. Fantastic idea!
If you are a make ahead fan try these soups in a jar: http://www.keepmovingmama.com/food/make-ahead-soup-in-a-jar
Katya says
Thanks Wendy! I love this salad any time the year. The combination of the flavors never disappoints 🙂
Shinee says
As I’m reading this beautiful post, Katya, I hear a strong wind outside and everything is completely covered with snow. I’m dying for hot summer right now, and I’d love to have a bowl of this yummy fresh salad! Well done!
Katya says
You’re not along Shinee with the wind! this winter has been brutal…i think everywhere! And I’m right there with you about summer..it can not come any sooner 🙂
Joanne says
I can’t stand the flavor (or lack thereof) of winter tomatoes, so I’ll be waiting for summer to have this…but that reduction looks glorious.
Katya says
I’m right there with ya Joanne. Nothing beats summer heirlooms!
Akudu Bright says
This is totally amazing