Stuffed Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Caprese Salad

If you love a classic caprese salad, this Stuffed Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Caprese Salad will be your new favorite. For a fun twist, all the traditional ingredients of the delicious summer side dish are stuffed and served in individual tomatoes.

In the summer months, I make lots of big fresh salads. They compliment a simple main dish like grilled steak or fish.

Also, they make for a great option for a delicious, light and refreshing lunch. Grilled Peach Salad, Baby Spinach and Blueberry Salad and Tricolor Quinoa Salad with Edamame are some favorites in our house.

I stumbled upon a new way to make the classic summer tomato mozzarella salad a couple weeks ago. I knew I just had to share this unique caprese salad recipe with you.

The easy to make salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Our Jersey farmstands have some of the best tomatoes, and this simple salad highlights their deliciousness. Mild and buttery mozzarella along with peppery fresh basil, mellow extra virgin olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze combine for simple yet great flavor.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Easy to make ~ With just a handful of ingredients and few simple steps, this impressive and beautiful caprese salad recipe comes together in just minutes.
• A healthy dish ~ This easy salad is loaded with fresh and healthy ingredients. The juicy tomatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients. The fresh mozzarella cheese and extra virgin olive oil contain healthy fats. And fresh basil has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fun to serve ~ This riff on a classic caprese salad is not only stunning, it's a fun way to serve the side dish.

Ingredients & substitutions

Pantry ingredients along with a handful of fresh ingredients are included in this easy and fun caprese salad recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for full quantities of the ingredients.

• Roma tomatoes ~ These egg-shaped fresh tomatoes are meatier and contain less water than round tomatoes. They're the perfect size for individual servings of this caprese salad. Small tomatoes on the vine are an alternative.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese ~ Skip the block of mozzarella cheese and pick up the best fresh mozzarella cheese you can find.
• Fresh basil leaves ~ Choose basil leaves that are 1-2 inches in size. They're the most flavorful ones.
• Extra virgin olive oil ~ Only a drizzle of olive oil is used in the recipe so pick up a high quality brand at the grocery store.
• Balsamic glaze ~ This thick and syrupy concentration of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor boost to the salad. Balsamic vinegar is an alternative.
• Kosher salt ~ The larger grain salt enhances the flavor of food without making it overly salty.
• Freshly ground black pepper ~ Use a pepper mill to grind the pepper. Fresh ground pepper from peppercorns results in the most flavorful spice.

How to make mozzarella stuffed tomatoes

With just a few steps, this tomato mozzarella salad is so easy to make. This is a brief overview of the recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for full instructions.

Step 1: Cut 5 slices into each tomato making sure not to cut all the way through.

Step 2: Stuff the slits with mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves.

Step 3: Add a drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Step 4: Sprinkle the tomatoes with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Expert tips

• As this summer favorite salad has only a few ingredients, use the highest quality and the freshest ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze you can find.
• Refrigeration dulls the flavor of summer tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. The ingredients of the salad will have peak flavor when served at room temperature.

Storage

A caprese salad has the best flavor when it's served as soon as it's made. But, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I like these meal prep containers. Bring the salad to room temperature before serving it.

Frequently asked questions

Skip the vacuum packed, low moisture mozzarella cheese and burrata when making this salad. You want soft, creamy and sliceable fresh mozzarella for this recipe.

Prep the salad ingredients up to 30 minutes in advance. Cut slits in the tomatoes and stuff with mozzarella slices and basil leaves. Transfer to a serving platter. Cover with plastic wrap and place on the counter at room temperature. Hold off drizzling with the olive oil and balsamic reduction and seasoning until just before serving.

What to serve with this salad

Along with the following main dishes, serve these stuffed tomato salads with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Coffee Rubbed Steaks
• Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Panko
• Low Carb Chicken Parmesan
• Italian Sausage, Pepper and Onion Kabobs

Get all my salad recipes at Salad Recipes.