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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Tomato Basil Salad with Marinated Mozzarella

    Published: May 29, 2023 by Vaishali · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This tomato basil salad is made extra special with marinated fresh mozzarella. It is simple yet impressive for any meal or when served with some crusty bread.

    Tomato Basil Salad with Marinated Mozzarella

    You all know my obsession with fresh, seasonal produce and within that obsession, tomatoes might be on the top. Nothing beats a fresh, juicy, straight off the vine tomato. To add to that perfection, add fresh mozzarella that has been soaked in a concoction of floral extra virgin olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes. Yup - this tomato salad with basil and marinated mozzarella pretty much tops perfection!

    All summer salads have something deeply satisfying about them, like this strawberry cucumber salad, or these roasted corn and summer strawberry salads. This tomato mozzarella salad pairs well with this delicious focaccia or you can add a small bowl of this to a summer themed snack board as well. Serve this salad on the side with my baked chicken parmesan and get ready for compliments.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • Tomato Basil Salad with Marinated Mozzarella

    Ingredients

    As is the case with most recipes with just a few ingredients (like this pasta), use high quality ingredients. See the list below and make your choices wisely..lol!

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    • Tomatoes - seasonal, juicy tomatoes that are from a local farm stand or homegrown are best for this salad. Heirlooms are my go to!
    • Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella! I used Belgioioso sliced mozzarella and then diced it. You can use smaller bocconcini, or even cut them into smaller pieces.
    • Aromatics - Garlic and thyme to marinate the mozzarella in.
    • EVOO - good quality extra virgin olive oil, the best in your pantry.
    • Salt and red pepper flakes - Fleur de sel and Maldon salt flakes are both excellent choices when it comes to adding a sprinkling of good quality salt to your dishes.
    • Basil - You can cut bigger basil leaves into ribbons or use young, tender leaves whole. I find that smaller leaves often have a sweeter flavor and less peppery bite compared to more mature leaves.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Take into account the fact that to make this tomato basil salad you will need at least 30 minutes to let the mozzarella marinate. In a bowl combine the evoo, garlic, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the chopped mozzarella, cover the bowl with a tight fitting lid or plastic wrap and marinate the mozzarella in the refrigerator for at least half an hour..

    While the mozzarella is marinating, prep your tomatoes and basil. Take the mozzarella out from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Mix with tomatoes and basil, sprinkle some salt and serve!!

    Hint: If you have time on your hands, let the mozzarella marinate for an hour. That helps in developing a deeper, savory flavor in the cheese and tales this tomato basil salad up a notch! I also sometime like to use this Italian seasoning in the mozzarella marinade as well.

    Substitutions

    If you want to make this recipe vegan, you can choose to use a plant based mozzarella. I have used cashew milk mozzarella from my local grocery store and it's an excellent substitution!

    Tomato-Salad-with-basil-and-marinated-mozzarella

    Variations

    Make it your own. The marinated mozzarella is great with so many thing and by itself!

    • Spicy - add more chili pepper flakes while marinating to imbue heat into this tomato basil salad.
    • Sweet - if sweet and savory is your thing, you can add juicy strawberries or peaches to this salad
    • Kid friendly - my kids don't mind a red pepper flake here and there but feel free to replace red pepper flakes with black pepper

    See this peach caprese salad recipe!

    Equipment

    All you need is a glass bowl, a whisk and a good knife!

    Glass mixing bowl: Whisk:

    Knife:

    Storage

    You can store the leftovers (what???) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Though it tastes the best fresh!

    FAQ

    Where can I find fresh mozzarella?

    Fresh mozzarella is usually available in most grocery stores in the deli or specialty cheeses section. Most wholesale/bulk stores (like sams and costco) also carry it.

    Is this tomato basil salad with marinated mozzarella healthy?

    Absolutely! Fresh, simple ingredients that are in season and sourced locally (as much as possible) - does not get healthier than this,

    What goes well with tomato basil and mozzarella salad?

    It pairs well with paninis, chicken breast and pastas. We love serving it with a slice of focaccia or crusty breads! See pairing section below.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • PeacchCapreseSalad_Flatlay_FI
      Peach Caprese Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
    • Summer-Strawberry-Salad_Flatlay_FI
      Summer Strawberry Salad | Easy, Vegan, Gluten Free
    • Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint and Olive oil.
      Easy Watermelon Salad
    • Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad with honey lime vinaigrette

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tomato Basil Salad with Marinated Mozzarella:

    • Stovetop-MacandCheese-Main-Image
      Easy Stove Top Mac and Cheese
    • Spaghetti-with-no-cook-Lemon-Parmesan-sauce
      Spaghetti with No-Cook Lemon Parmesan Sauce
    • Creamy Lemon Pepper Orzo
      Creamy lemon and pepper orzo pasta
    • Thyme and Rosemary Focaccia

    If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you liked it! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #thekitchendocs or share on Facebook, too.

    Love – Vaishali

    Tomato-Salad-with-basil-and-marinated-mozzarella

    Tomato Basil Salad with Marinated Mozzarella

    Vaishali
    This tomato basil salad is made extra special with marinated fresh mozzarella. It is simple yet impressive for any meal or when served with some crusty bread.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Marination time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 343 kcal

    Equipment

    • Knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Ripe tomatoes, sliced about 2 cups
    • 8 oz Fresh mozzarella cut into bite size chunks
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 sprigs thyme
    • ⅓ cup Olive oil extra virgin
    • Fresh basil leaves
    • Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

    Instructions
     

    • In a glass bowl, add the olive oil, garlic, thyme leaves, pepper flakes and salt. Whisk to combine and add the mozzarella. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    • While the cheese is marinating, slice the tomatoes and tear or cut the basil leaves into ribbons.
    • Take the mozzarella out of the refrigerator. Add the tomatoes and basil to the marinated cheese. Mix everything together. Adjust salt and serve!

    Notes

    You can choose how much red pepper flakes to use or swap them with fresh crushed black pepper.
    Small mozzarella balls and sliced cherry tomatoes will work as well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 13gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 359mgPotassium: 198mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 919IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 297mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lost Generator plans

      November 22, 2024 at 6:36 pm

      The information shared is of top quality which has to get appreciated at all levels. Well done…

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        November 25, 2024 at 7:54 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Debbie

      June 05, 2023 at 7:59 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made a version of this and it’s one of my favorite things to makes during summer. This recipe has so much more pizzazz than mine. I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        June 07, 2023 at 11:05 am

        Thanks, Debbie. I hope you enjoy the new recipe.

        Reply
    3. Valentina Ottah

      June 05, 2023 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      Wow I love this! I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        June 07, 2023 at 11:04 am

        Thanks Valentina. I sure hope you like it.

        Reply
    4. jimmy clare

      June 05, 2023 at 2:21 pm

      one of my favorite salads to make

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        June 07, 2023 at 11:04 am

        Thanks, Jimmy. I am glad you make and enjoy it!

        Reply
    5. Marie-Pierre Breton

      June 05, 2023 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      This is my all-time favorite! Never tried with garlic though, but will give it a try! Yum!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        June 05, 2023 at 9:10 am

        Thanks Marie! I love garlic in this....hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes

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    Hey, I'm Vaishali!

    Welcome! I am so excited to cook and talk life with you. Here, you will find my kitchen journal full of mostly healthyish recipes that are family friendly, use seasonal and fresh ingredients, plant forward, packed with healing Indian spices and indulgent desserts.

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