Tomato Basil Salad Recipe

This refreshing Tomato Basil Salad is made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic glaze. The result is a vibrant and zesty side dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a summer barbecue, and it’s easy enough to serve a crowd of up to 6 people.

Tomato Basil Salad Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, a mix of heirloom or cherry varieties
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), or a large ball of mozzarella torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How To Make Tomato Basil Salad

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the larger tomatoes into wedges and halve the cherry tomatoes if using. Place all the tomatoes in a large serving bowl.
2. Add the other ingredients: Gently add the fresh mozzarella balls and the torn basil leaves to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the tomato mixture.
4. Season and toss: Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is lightly coated in the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes: The flavor of this salad depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Use ripe, fragrant tomatoes from a farmer’s market for the best results.
• Don’t substitute fresh basil: This recipe relies on the bright, fresh flavor of basil. Dried basil will not give you the same vibrant taste.
• Tear the basil leaves: Tearing the basil with your hands instead of cutting it with a knife helps prevent the leaves from bruising and turning dark.
• Use balsamic glaze: While you can use regular balsamic vinegar, a thicker balsamic glaze clings to the ingredients better, providing a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor in every bite without making the salad watery.

What To Serve Tomato Basil Salad

This classic Tomato Basil Salad is a wonderful complement to a wide range of dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also fantastic with any Italian-inspired meal, such as a simple pasta dish, a margherita pizza, or a platter of garlic bread. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh baguette for dipping into the flavorful juices.

How To Store Tomato Basil Salad Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Tomato basil salad is best eaten fresh, as the tomatoes will release a lot of juice over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The texture will be softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the high water content in the tomatoes and mozzarella will cause them to become mushy and grainy when thawed.

Tomato Basil Salad Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Total Fat: 17.9g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6.2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 14.1g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? It is best to assemble and serve this salad right before eating to maintain the freshest flavor and texture. If you must prepare it ahead, you can slice the tomatoes and tear the basil, but wait to combine them with the cheese, oil, and glaze until just before serving.
• What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe? Any ripe, flavorful tomato will work. Heirloom tomatoes add a beautiful variety of colors, while cherry or grape tomatoes are convenient because they require minimal cutting.
• Can I add other ingredients to the salad? Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can add thin slices of red onion for a sharper flavor, or toss in some pine nuts for a little crunch. Diced cucumber is also a nice addition for a more substantial salad.

Try More Recipes:

• Ultimate Grilled & Chopped Salad Recipe
• Wedge Salad For 2
• Wedge Salad with Parmesan-Peppercorn Ranch Recipe