Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad Recipe with Mozzarella

Name: Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 large ripe tomatoes; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 small red onion; 200 g mini bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp honey; salt; freshly ground black pepper

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Bright, fresh, and bursting with summer flavour, this tomato and fresh basil salad is proof that the simplest ingredients often make the best recipes. Tossed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, mini bocconcini, and a tangy balsamic dressing, it’s a salad you’ll be making on repeat all season long.

Tomatoes and fresh basil are one of those pairings that just work. Add creamy mini bocconcini, a handful of thinly sliced red onions, and a quick homemade balsamic dressing, and you’ve got a fresh, vibrant salad that’s just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for barbecues, potlucks, and summer get-togethers.

One of my favourite things about this recipe is that it lets fresh, seasonal ingredients do all the heavy lifting. There’s nothing complicated here, just simple flavours that come together beautifully in every bite. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a thick slice of crusty no knead bread for an easy meal that tastes like summer.

sliced red onions, fresh chopped basil, mini mozzarella cheese balls, and quartered tomatoes unmixed in a large glass bowl with a separate bowl of balsamic dressing in the background.

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✳︎ Why You’ll Love This Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad

Ready in about 15 minutes with fresh, everyday ingredients.
Lets ripe summer tomatoes and fresh basil shine without overcomplicating them.
Mini bocconcini make it extra satisfying, but the salad is just as tasty without them.
Easy to dress up for dinner parties or toss together for a casual weeknight meal.
Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches and picnic favourites.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil

ingredient list for tomato and fresh basil salad - tomatoes, honey, balsamic, mozzarella balls, basil, red onion, olive oil, salt, pepper

Nothing says summer quite like a fresh tomato basil salad made with simple, seasonal ingredients. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mini bocconcini, and a tangy balsamic dressing come together to create a colourful side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s take a closer look at everything you’ll need to make it.

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 or effect, and I don’t recommend using it instead.
Red Onions: Add a sharp crunch and a bit of zing to the salad. Their mild sweetness complements the tomatoes beautifully, balancing out the rest of the flavours.
Mozzarella Balls: Optional, but they 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, but you can use pearl bocconcini or larger ones cut in half 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. Since the dressing is so simple, it’s worth using the best olive oil you have.
Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that brightens the salad. Its rich flavour contrasts beautifully with the fresh ingredients. You can also use balsamic glaze if you prefer a thicker, slightly sweeter finish.
Honey: Just a touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar, rounding out the dressing without making it sweet.
Salt and Pepper: The classic finishing touch! A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of bite. Season to taste before serving.

Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

side view of tomato and fresh basil salad with mozzarella balls and red onions

Key Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Salad

You’ll find the full recipe in the recipe card below, but these quick tips will help you make the very best tomato basil salad every time.

Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes whenever possible. Heirloom, vine-ripened, and garden-fresh tomatoes all work beautifully and will give you the best flavour.
Fresh basil is a must. Dried basil just doesn’t deliver the same fresh, peppery flavour that makes this salad shine. Tear the leaves instead of chopping them for a more rustic look and even more aroma.
Slice the tomatoes and onions into similar sized pieces so every bite has a balanced mix of flavours and textures.
If you have an extra 10 to 15 minutes, let the salad sit before serving. This gives the tomatoes time to release some of their juices and allows the dressing to soak into every bite.
Don’t overdress the salad. Start with the recommended amount of dressing, toss gently, then add more only if needed. You want to coat the ingredients, not drown them.
This salad is at its best the day it’s made. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving.

hand holding a bowl of tomato salad with fresh basil, mozzarella balls, red onions, and a balsamic dressing

Easy Ways to Customize This Tomato Basil Salad

One of my favourite things about this tomato basil salad is how easy it is to make your own. Start with the basics, then mix things up depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Swap the tomatoes: Use heirloom, cherry, grape, or colourful mixed tomatoes for a slightly different flavour and presentation.
Try a different cheese: Mini bocconcini are my favourite, but sliced fresh mozzarella, crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even shaved Parmesan are all delicious options.
Add more veggies: Cucumber, avocado, or thinly sliced bell peppers add extra freshness and crunch.
Give it some greens: Toss in a handful of arugula or baby spinach to turn it into a heartier salad.
Bring on the olives: Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives add a salty, briny bite that pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes and basil. If you’re an olive lover, my blue cheese stuffed olives make a great appetizer to serve alongside this salad.
Change the herbs: Fresh oregano or parsley pair beautifully with the tomatoes and basil without overpowering the salad.

What to Serve With Tomato Basil Salad

This tomato basil salad is one of those easy side dishes that goes with just about everything. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or putting together a spread for friends and family, it’s a fresh, colourful addition that fits right in.

For a classic summer meal, serve it alongside my zucchini turkey burgers or these juicy marinated chicken thighs. It’s also a great match for my parmesan crusted fish recipe, where the bright tomatoes and basil perfectly complement the rich, meaty fish.

No summer table is complete without good bread, and this salad is made for soaking up every last drop of that tangy balsamic dressing. Serve it with my no knead focaccia bread, crisp garlic crostini, or warm homemade garlic bread for an easy meal that’s guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for one more bite.

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! The bright, sweet flavour of ripe tomatoes complements the aromatic, slightly peppery notes of fresh basil, creating a delicious balance in every bite.

Fresh basil also enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes while balancing their acidity, making both ingredients taste even better together. It’s no surprise this classic pairing has been a favourite in Italian cooking for generations.

Absolutely! Fresh basil is one of the best herbs to enjoy raw. Its slightly sweet, peppery flavour pairs beautifully with tomatoes, cheese, and homemade vinaigrettes, adding freshness to every bite.

For the best flavour and texture, use fresh basil leaves and either tear them by hand or give them a rough chop just before adding them to the salad.

Tomato basil salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keep in mind that tomatoes naturally release their juices as they sit, so the salad will become softer over time. If you’re planning to make it ahead, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving for the freshest flavour and texture.

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Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad

This tomato and fresh basil salad combines juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, mini bocconcini, and a tangy balsamic dressing for an easy summer side that's full of fresh flavour.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings 6 Servings

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Equipment

Ingredients

4 large ripe tomatoes (cored and cut into wedges)
1 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
200 g mini bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls) (optional but recommended)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
salt (to taste)
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Add the tomatoes, basil, red onion, and mini bocconcini (if using) to a large serving bowl.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld together.

Notes

The better the tomatoes, the better the salad. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes whenever possible for the sweetest flavour.

Stick with fresh basil. Dried basil won’t give you the same bright flavour or aroma.

Tear the basil just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant instead of bruised or darkened.

If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the tomatoes fresh and vibrant.

Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if you have the time. It gives the flavours a chance to meld together beautifully.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices over time, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

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scroll up above the recipe card for ingredient notes, tips & tricks, and easy swaps/variations.

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I hope this tomato and basil salad finds a spot on your table this summer! If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag @HipHipGourmet on social so I can see your delicious creation!