Choose the best fresh ripe tomatoes you can find and buffalo milk mozzarella, but use whatever good fresh mozzarella you can find, just not the hard rubbery balls. Fresh basil leaves and a basil dressing complete this easy, classic Italian salad. Serve as a delightful starter or even a light lunch with some fresh bread.
4mediumfresh tomatoesdepending on the size and how much you plan to serve
4ouncesfresh Mozzarella cheese
a handful of fresh basil leaves
2tablespoonsbasil pestohomemade or store
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oilor more to make it liquidy
salt and pepperto taste
1-2tablespoonsBalsamic vinegaroptional
Instructions
Slice tomatoes about ¼″ thick and place on a platter or plate. Drain and slice the mozzarella cheese. Place cheese slices between the tomato slices. Tuck fresh basil leaves in here and there.
For dressing, stir together the basil pesto and olive oil until it’s a thin dressing. Drizzle over the salad and season with salt and pepper. As an option, splash on a little high quality balsamic vinegar but it’s lovely on its own.