Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a Mediterranean masterpiece with this Southern Living-inspired Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad that's so simple yet incredibly delicious, it'll become your new summer obsession! Imagine vibrant, juicy tomatoes perfectly layered with creamy fresh mozzarella, kissed by fragrant basil leaves, and drizzled with a tantalizing olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched Italian countryside.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the fresh tomatoes thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even, approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure consistent presentation and even marinating.
- Drain the fresh mozzarella and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the mozzarella into rounds similar in thickness to the tomato slices, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
- Gently wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. If the leaves are large, tear them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating, overlapping pattern for visual appeal.
- Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the tomato and mozzarella arrangement.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple dressing.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture evenly over the salad.
- Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, ideally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most colorful tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the creamiest texture
- Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding
- Serve at room temperature to fully appreciate the ingredients' natural flavors
- For extra elegance, use a variety of heirloom tomatoes in different colors
- Always use fresh basil leaves for the most aromatic experience
- Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Season generously but taste as you go to balance the flavors perfectly
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
