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Fresh Simple Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Basil

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A quick and easy summer salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, dressed with extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (whole milk, ball or ciliegine size)
  • 15–20 fresh basil leaves, gently bruised
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional, a pinch)
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into roughly 1/4-inch thick slices or wedges, aiming for uniform pieces.
  3. Slice or tear the mozzarella into similar-sized pieces as the tomatoes.
  4. Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella alternately or scattered on a serving dish.
  5. Add fresh basil leaves by tearing some and bruising others to release aroma, distributing evenly.
  6. Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if using.
  7. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
  8. Optionally, drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
  9. Gently toss the salad lightly to combine flavors or serve arranged for presentation.
  10. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Avoid over-tossing to preserve the texture of tomatoes and mozzarella. Taste before adding extra salt or oil. Best served fresh or within a couple of hours. Dry produce thoroughly to prevent watery salad. Fresh basil is preferred; baby arugula or mint can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato salad, mozzarella salad, basil salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, fresh tomato salad, simple salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/fresh-simple-tomato-salad-with-mozzarella-and-basil-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/