Caprese Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 medium ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened for best flavor)

8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into ¼ inch thick rounds

1 cup fresh basil leaves

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even, round slices about ¼ inch thick.

Assemble the Salad:

On a large serving platter, alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella slices, placing a basil leaf between each slice. Arrange in a circular pattern for a more elegant presentation.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the olive oil generously over the entire salad. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and added depth of flavor.

Season and Serve:

Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to taste. Serve immediately as a starter or side dish.

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and the freshest ingredients possible. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

This Caprese Salad combines the vibrant colors of Italy with simple, fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for warm days, light lunches, or as a starter for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, making it as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve!

Lina