I love a good salad. But I’ll admit to being a little particular about them. I want each bite to have all the flavors of every tasty thing in my salad. While sliced and deconstructed salads may look beautiful, I kind of hate them because it means more work for me. I have to cut all the components up, trying not to look like a crazy person in the process. That’s where the chopped version of this classic tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella salad comes in.
Quick & Easy Salads
I love a quick and easy recipe, especially a side dish or salad. I have to laugh at myself because, honestly, this Caprese salad recipe involves chopping some things and then mixing them. Done. But if you’re like me, it’s more about the inspiration and a reminder for myself of flavors I enjoy and want to eat again. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s perfect for my lazy, I mean busy life.
Fresh Ingredients Make the Difference
If you didn’t know by now, fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference, especially in a simple dish with few ingredients. Each one needs to be at its best. If you grow tomatoes in your garden or have access to a farmer’s market, you will be rewarded with the tastiest tomatoes possible. There’s just something about a homegrown tomato that can’t be beaten. Fresh basil from the garden (you can even grow basil on a windowsill if you don’t have a garden) makes you feel extra on top of things. But it’s also readily available from the grocery store. I love fresh mozzarella. I don’t care if it’s sliced or in those little balls–I love it all. I do find I like a little extra sprinkle of salt on my mozzarella to bring out the otherwise mild flavor.
The beautiful thing about this Caprese salad is that whatever you have on hand or can find will work. Trying different types of tomatoes will change the flavor, texture, and consistency. Mixing things up with the shape of the mozzarella can give a different look and texture too. For being such a simple salad, there are many possibilities.
Balsamic Vinaigrette ~ Take It or Leave It
I am extremely picky about my salad dressings (are you noticing a pattern of pickiness here?) My biggest beef with commercial salad dressings is how sweet they usually are. Blech! I just hate that! I’m a big fan of making my own dressings, but sometimes I just want the convenience of reaching for a bottle.
The Open Nature Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing is my favorite and isn’t too sweet or too tart. I usually buy it at Safeway or Albertsons. But you can substitute your favorite balsamic vinaigrette or even just a splash of balsamic vinegar and a dash of olive oil if that is your preference.
Serving the dressing on the side allows my friends and family to decide on the amount. It’s probably because I have always been a picky eater that I am a big fan of offering options and choice.
Chopped Tomato Basil & Fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Tomatoes Try heirloom or colorful varieties for more interest
- 10-12 Cherry or grape tomatoes
- 12 ounces Fresh Mozzarella
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil
- Balsamic Vinaigrette, to taste. I love the Open Nature brand.
- a pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Slice large tomatoes into bite size pieces. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half.
- Slice mozzarella into bite size pieces. If using the small balls, cut in half or quarters.
- Sprinkle salt over the fresh mozzarella.
- Chop the basil finely.
- Gently stir ingredients together just until mixed.
- Serve the balsamic vinaigrette on the side.
Notes
Enjoy! 
3 Comments
Jennifer Fillis
I love love lovee this salad! So easy to make for summer brunch with my girlfriends!
Susan Miller
Ahhhh! I have been looking for a healthy lettuce free salad for quite some time now, and I finally stumbled upon this page. I just tried this recipe this afternoon for my three kids and the whole family absolutely loved it. 10/10 would recommend!!!
Selah
Tried and loved this caprese salad! It’s amazing! Yet another great recipe recommendation that will be added to my recipe book immediately!