Tomato, Mozzarella, Red Onion Salad
A vibrant, fresh salad combining ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy red onions, accented with basil, olives, and capers. Drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar, it's perfect for a light lunch or appetizer that showcases Mediterranean flavors and appeals to all who love fresh, colorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and dry tomatoes; cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Peel and cut red onions into 1/4-inch slices.
- Slice mozzarella cheese lengthwise into thin slices.
- Arrange tomatoes, onions, and cheese in a circular pattern around the platter, layering them.
- Drain the can of black olives and evenly pour them over the platter.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with parsley.
- Add fresh basil leaves over the platter in layers or pieces.
- Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar to taste over the salad.
- Refrigerate after covering with plastic wrap. Serve cold with fresh Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use heirloom tomatoes when in season. If fresh basil is unavailable, try substituting with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note. You can replace mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture. Adjust the quantity of olives and capers according to your taste preference, and consider drizzling balsamic reduction instead of olive oil for a sweeter finish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or seafood, enhancing meals like Halibut With Wine And Lemon. Pair it with fresh Italian bread for a light lunch or as part of a Mediterranean spread. Consider serving it alongside Franciscan Sandwiches for a delightful summer picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the ingredients, avoid adding the olive oil until just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat it; simply serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato, Mozzarella, Red Onion Salad contains roughly 159 calories, with 15g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1022mg per serving (44% 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 the salad a few hours in advance. However, to prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy, wait to add the olive oil and fresh basil until just before serving. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
What other ingredients can I add?
You can customize the salad with additional ingredients like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra creaminess. Adding a handful of arugula can introduce a peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients well. Explore different Mediterranean recipes for inspiration on variations.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Tomato, Mozzarella, and Red Onion Salad is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet. The combination of fresh vegetables and mozzarella provides a satisfying meal or side dish, and it's also a popular choice in Mediterranean 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).