This Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Salad is a fresh summer salad loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. This simple salad comes together in just minutes and makes the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a light lunch. With fresh ingredients and almost no prep work, Caprese Salad is a favorite summer salad recipe!

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Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

A classic caprese salad recipe, also known as Insalata Caprese, originated on the Island of Capri and traditionally features ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, sweet basil leaves, olive oil, and simple seasonings. The colors even resemble the Italian flag with bright red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.

This easy version uses cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls, making it much faster to assemble while still delivering all the flavors of the classic Italian salad. Since the tomatoes and cheese are already bite-sized, there is almost no prep involved.

Fresh tomatoes and basil are one of my favorite combinations during the summer. There always seems to be a perfect time when gardens and farmers’ market stands are overflowing with colorful heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

This delicious tomato mozzarella salad is simple enough for busy weeknights but pretty enough to serve at parties.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Recipe

Ready in only a few minutes
No cooking required
Perfect side salad for summer meals
Great way to use fresh basil plants and garden tomatoes
Easy to customize
Caprese Salad on a stick makes beautiful caprese skewers for entertaining
Uses simple ingredients found at any grocery store

Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Serving bowl or serving platter
Toothpicks or serving skewers (optional)

Ingredients

You only need five simple ingredients to make this easy summer salad!

Cherry tomatoes
Mozzarella pearls (or mozzarella balls), drained
Fresh basil leaves, chopped or chiffonaded
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt

Optional additions:

Black pepper
Balsamic glaze
Balsamic vinaigrette
Ripe avocado
Red onion
Green onion
Artichoke hearts

Find the full recipe for Caprese Salad with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Caprese Salad

When it comes to summer salads, this easy Caprese Salad is the best! Toss a handful of fresh ingredients together with a drizzle of olive oil for and you’re set!

Wash and dry the fresh tomatoes.
Roughly chop or chiffonade the fresh basil leaves.
Add the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls into the bowl and toss.
Add the chiffonaded basil.

tomatoes and mozzarella balls tossed together in a large mixing bowl

cut up basil added to tomatoes and mozzarella

Drizzle everything with extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Toss gently until everything is coated with a bit of olive oil.

olive oil and salt over the top of caprese salad

Transfer to a serving bowl or serving platter.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
For entertaining, create caprese skewers by threading tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil onto toothpicks or small skewers, and you have a perfect Caprese Salad appetizer!

Pro Tips

Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Fresh basil gives the best results. Dried basil won’t have the same flavor.
Cherry tomatoes are the best for Caprese Salad, but you can also use grape tomatoes if you prefer. Also, multicolored cherry tomatoes or colorful heirloom tomatoes make this salad even prettier.
Add a balsamic reduction or a bottle of balsamic glaze as more dressing for Caprese Salad right before serving.
Use buffalo mozzarella, mozzarella slices, or creamy fresh mozzarella cheese if mozzarella pearls aren’t available.
This recipe tastes best the same day, although leftovers can be enjoyed the next day.

Variations

Want to change things up? Try adding:

Ripe avocado
Red onion
Green onion
Artichoke hearts
Grape tomatoes
Simple balsamic dressing

What to Serve with Caprese Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are usually rounder and slightly juicier, while grape tomatoes tend to be smaller and firmer. Either works well in this tomato salad recipe.

Can I make my own balsamic reduction?

Yes! Pour regular balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until reduced and thickened.

Can I use large tomatoes instead?

Absolutely. Ripe tomatoes or colorful heirloom tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces work perfectly.

Is this a side dish or main meal?

This delicious salad works as a side dish, side salad, or light lunch.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Fresh tomatoes release juices as they sit, so stir before serving again. For the freshest flavor, this salad is best served the day it’s made.