Mozzarella And Basil Salad
A fresh and flavorful Italian salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and lemon for a perfect summer appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core, seed, and chop the tomatoes.
- Slice or dice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
- Mix the basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
- Marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant salad, choose heirloom tomatoes for their flavor and color. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, use burrata for a creamier texture. To enhance the basil flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. This salad pairs beautifully with Baked Ziti With Pesto for a delightful Italian meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish and is a great addition to a summer picnic. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Pasta, Peas And Prosciutto or Italian Lemon Drop Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the tomatoes may lose some firmness. To refresh the salad, serve it chilled and consider adding fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mozzarella And Basil Salad contains roughly 385 calories, with 8g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to marinate it at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop. However, avoid making it too far ahead, as the tomatoes may become mushy.
What other ingredients can I add to the salad?
Feel free to customize this salad by adding sliced avocado, olives, or even some diced red onion for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle some balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet contrast that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mozzarella and Basil Salad is entirely vegetarian. It's a perfect choice for anyone following a vegetarian diet and can also be enjoyed as part of a larger spread featuring other Italian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).