Looking for a quick, refreshing dish that screams summer? This Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad with Red Onions and Mozzarella Cheese Balls is a light, vibrant burst of flavour that’s perfect for any meal—fresh, simple, and seriously delicious!
Blame it on the Italian in me but for as long as I can remember, I’ve always LOVED fresh basil. It’s my all time favourite herb and I swear, I can eat the raw leaves like potato chips – one after the other. There’s just something about that fresh peppery bite that gets me every single time!
Seriously, though. I have actual memories of some friends and I hanging out at the local pizza joint waiting for our ‘za. The pizza joint, as proud to be Italian as I am, had fresh basil plants on each table you can freely tear leaves off of and add them to your slice. Brilliant, I’d say. Until you get a table like us, that is, who shamelessly almost ate the entire basil plant BEFORE even getting our pizza.
So besides the fact that fresh basil, IMHO, can (and does!) make virtually any dish taste better… there’s just no denying how amazingly well it pairs with ingredients like tomatoes, red onions, and mozzarella cheese balls. Am I right?! You can’t tell me that’s the Italian in me speaking again…
This tomato salad with fresh basil is the ultimate summer bite! It’s vibrant, refreshing, so easy to make, and goes well with so many other tasty summer dishes. It’s great as a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner with some bread to soak up that homemade tangy dressing.
And hey, if you’re fortunate enough to have a garden growing more tomatoes than you could ever possibly know what to do with, I don’t think you can take it as a mere coincidence that you landed on this post.
Just sayin’.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE TOMATO SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL
Nothing says summer quite like a vibrant tomato mozzarella basil salad. This dish is all about celebrating fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a burst of flavour in every single bite. This delicious salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a light lunch. Let’s discuss all the ingredients you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:
- Tomatoes: Why, of course! Tomatoes are the heart of this salad! Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavour. Varieties like beefsteak, heirloom, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes can add colour and sweetness, making each bite a juicy delight. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants, too, which is always a win!
- Fresh Basil: With its aromatic, slightly peppery flavour, fresh basil elevates this tomato salad to a whole new level. Plus, it adds a pop of green colour that just screams freshness. Chop the leaves finely or tear them for a more rustic look! Since fresh basil is one of the main stars of this dish, using dried basil won’t give you the same taste/effect and I don’t recommend using it instead.
- Red Onions: Add a sharp crunch and a bit of zing to the salad. Its mild sweetness complements the tomatoes beautifully, balancing out the rest of the flavours. PRO TIP: If you want to mellow the taste, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them.
- Mozzarella Balls: Optional but add the perfect creamy twist to this tomato salad recipe. Mozzarella balls, also known as bocconcini, complement the tomatoes and basil beautifully, making the salad even more indulgent. I like using mini bocconcini for this recipe. However, you can use the mini mini version or a slightly bigger version instead, if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: This is the silky dressing that ties everything together! Good-quality extra-virgin olive oil brings richness and a fruity flavour that enhances the salad’s overall taste. It’s heart-healthy, too—talk about a win-win! Since you really taste the olive oil shining through in this recipe, I don’t recommend using a different oil in its place.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that brightens the salad. Its complex flavour profile contrasts perfectly with the fresh ingredients, making each bite even more delightful. You can also use a balsamic glaze for a thicker, sweeter finish.
- Honey: Just a touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar, adding a hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavours. It’s like a secret ingredient that takes the dressing from good to absolutely fabulous! RECIPE NOTE: If you’re following a keto diet, feel free to omit the honey or replace it with a keto friendly sweetener instead.
- Salt and Pepper: The classic seasonings! A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavours, while freshly ground black pepper adds a little kick. Adjust these to your taste for that perfect finishing touch.
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT TOMATO MOZZARELLA BASIL SALAD (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy tomato salad with fresh basil in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right tomatoes. Opt for ripe, high-quality tomatoes. Heirloom and vine-ripened varieties are especially flavourful. If you can, pick them up at a local farmer’s market for the freshest taste!
- Use fresh basil instead of dried. Fresh basil has a vibrant flavour and aroma that can’t be matched. Don’t be shy—tear the leaves instead of chopping them to release even more flavour!
- Slice evenly. For a beautiful presentation, slice your tomatoes and onions evenly. This not only looks great but ensures each bite has a balanced flavour.
- Balance your dressing. Adjust the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey to your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, add more vinegar; for sweetness, increase the honey. A little tasting goes a long way!
- Season generously. Don’t skip the salt and pepper! A good sprinkle of salt can enhance the natural flavours of the tomatoes and basil, making the salad pop.
- Toss well. Make sure to toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all the flavours are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be bursting with that delicious dressing!
- If time allows, let it marinate. Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavours meld together, making every bite even tastier!
- Serve fresh. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
- Get creative. Feel free to customize your salad! Add ingredients like avocado, cucumber, or even a handful of arugula for extra texture and flavour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Basil and tomatoes are a match made in culinary heaven, and there are a few reasons why they work so well together! First off, the bright, sweet flavour of ripe tomatoes complements the aromatic, slightly peppery notes of fresh basil, creating a delicious harmony on your palate. This pairing is not only tasty AF but also classic in many cuisines, especially Italian dishes (hello, marinara sauce).
Additionally, basil enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes while balancing their acidity, resulting in a more rounded flavour profile. Plus, the vibrant green of basil adds a pop of colour to the dish, making it visually appealing. Together, they elevate each other, making every bite a burst of freshness!
Absolutely, you can eat basil raw in a salad! In fact, if you ask me, fresh basil is a fantastic addition that brings a burst of flavour and a delightful aroma to any dish. Its slightly peppery and sweet notes pair beautifully with other salad ingredients, especially tomatoes, cheese, and vinaigrettes.
Eating basil raw also allows you to fully enjoy its vibrant taste and health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Just be sure to use fresh, high-quality basil leaves for the best flavour and texture—your taste buds will seriously thank you!
A tomato mozzarella basil salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for about 1 to 2 days. To keep the salad as fresh as possible, store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and keep the ingredients from getting mushy.
However, be aware that the longer it sits, the more the tomatoes will release their juices, which can make the salad a bit soggy. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness and flavour.
MORE GREAT SALADS FOR YOU TO LOVE
RED SKINNED POTATO SALAD WITH CREAMY DRESSING
SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS, WALNUTS, AND BLUE CHEESE
EASY TUNA SALAD WITH HARD BOILED EGGS
P.F. CHANG’S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP SALAD
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
TOMATO SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL AND MOZZARELLA BALLS
Ingredients
- 4 large Ripe Tomatoes
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves torn
- 1/2 small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Honey
- Salt to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 200g Fresh Mozzarella Balls (mini bocconcini) optional but recommended
Instructions
- Core the tomatoes and cut them into even size wedges. Add them to a bowl.
- Add the basil leaves, red onion, and mozzarella balls, if using.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or (if time allows) let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
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