Mozzarella Tomato Salad: A Simple, Delicious Dish in 5 minutes

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. This Mozzarella Tomato Salad takes just five minutes to prepare and delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavours. It’s perfect as a light starter for a bigger meal or even a main course when paired with some crusty bread to mop up the delightful olive oil and balsamic dressing.

With its bold colours and harmonious blend of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is a feast for both the eye and the palate.

What you’ll need

To create this dish, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, so opt for fresh, high-quality produce where possible:

• Fresh vine tomatoes – These bring sweetness, juiciness, and a beautiful red colour to your plate.
• Mozzarella cheese balls – Soft, creamy and mild, they balance the tanginess of the tomatoes perfectly.
• A bunch of fresh basil leaves – Their aromatic, slightly peppery flavour ties the dish together.
• Salt and freshly coarsely ground peppercorns – To enhance and season.
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar – For a simple yet flavourful dressing.

How to make Mozzarella Tomato Salad

1. Prep the tomatoes

Start by slicing your vine tomatoes sideways into even, circular slices. The thickness is up to you, but aim for consistency to make the salad visually appealing. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a salad plate.

2. Slice the mozzarella

Cut your mozzarella cheese balls into slices that match the thickness of the tomatoes. This creates a pleasing balance when you layer them. Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each tomato slices.

3. Add the basil

You can either chop the basil leaves into smaller pieces or leave them whole. I prefer whole leaves for their visual appeal and bold flavours. Gently place a basil leaf on top of each mozzarella slice.

4. Season generously

Using a pepper mill, grind fresh black pepper over the entire salad. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Don’t be shy here – seasoning is what brings the ingredients to life.

5. Prepare the dressing

In a small dressing jug, combine equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of sea salt and whisk until well mixed. Drizzle this dressing generously over the salad. Make sure some finds its way onto the plate for dipping later!

6. Serve and enjoy

And that’s it! Your salad is ready to be served. Bring it to the table as a starter or enjoy it with fresh, crusty bread as a satisfying light meal.

Why you’ll love this dish

• Quick and effortless: Perfect for when time is short but you want something fresh and homemade.
• Beautiful presentation: The contrasting red, white and green will brighten any dining table.

So, next time you need a quick dish that looks and tastes amazing, give this Mozzarella Tomato Salad a go. It’s proof that sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ingredients.

Let me know how yours turns out in the comments! And if you enjoyed this, why not share it with someone who loves easy, fresh recipes?

Don’t forget to check my other salad recipes here.