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Summer Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

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Summer Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

Nothing says summer quite like a bowl of fresh garden tomatoes. When tomatoes are at their peak—juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor—you don’t need to do much to turn them into something special.

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Fresh summer tomato salad with basil, mozzarella, and red onion in a white serving bow

This easy Summer Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella is one of my go-to side dishes during the warm months. It’s light, refreshing, and makes the most of simple seasonal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Tomato Salad

  • Seasonal Freshness – Garden tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella are the stars.
  • Quick and Easy – Just a few minutes of chopping, tossing, and chilling, and you'll have a spectacular summer side dish.
  • Versatile – Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or as part of a picnic spread.
  • Healthy and Delicious – Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes and heart-healthy olive oil.
Jump to Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ingredients for tomato salad with fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and olive oi
    2 large ripe garden tomatoes
  • ½ medium red onion, sliced thinly
  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • 2–3 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or cut-up fresh mozzarella)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes – Cut the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and place them in a medium bowl. I use this favorite Santoku knife from Amazon to slice my tomatoes evenly.
  2. Add Onion – Slice the red onion thinly and add it to the tomatoes.
  3. Season Well – Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Dress the Salad – Drizzle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the mixture. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Add the Good Stuff – Stir in the fresh basil and chunks of mozzarella.
  6. Chill and Serve – Refrigerate for about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips for the Best Tomato Salad

  • Use the Ripest Tomatoes You Can Find – Garden tomatoes or heirloom varieties give the richest flavor.
  • Slice Onions Paper-Thin – This keeps the onion from overpowering the salad.  Be sure to use a good knife.
  • Make Ahead – Mix everything an hour before serving so the vinegar and oil can soak into the tomatoes.
  • Serving Suggestion – Pair this salad with crusty bread to soak up the juices—it’s the best part!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Yes! Cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully—just cut them in half.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?
Mozzarella pearls make an easy alternative choice.

How long does this salad keep?
It’s best eaten the same day. Tomatoes release liquid as they sit, so leftovers can get watery.

Summer Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

summer salad, garden salad, fresh tomato salad
salad
American
Yield: 4
Author: Donna Urso
Fresh Garden Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella

Fresh Garden Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella

A flavorful, seasonal salad to serve when garden tomatoes are at their peak flavor.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cut your tomatoes into chunks and add to a bowl.
  2. Slice the red onion thinly and add to the tomatoes.
  3. Season the tomatoes and red onions generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the mixture. Toss to coat and distribute flavors.
  5. Add the fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
  6. Chill for about an hour to encourage the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is best with vine-ripened tomatoes at the peak of the harvest season.

Recommended Products

White Salad Bowls

Cutting Board Set

7-inch Santoku Knife

Nutrition Facts

Calories

168.67

Fat (grams)

14.65 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

3.81 g

Carbs (grams)

5.24 g

Fiber (grams)

1.34 g

Net carbs

3.9 g

Sugar (grams)

3.15 g

Protein (grams)

4.89 g

Sodium (milligrams)

165.18 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

14 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

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