Caprese Salad

One of the easiest salads to make. Not only is it easy to make it’s also one of the most

colorful salads you can find. With bright reds from the tomatoes, the white of mozzarella and the green from the basil, it becomes a beautiful addition to any dinner table. This dish quickly became one of my favorites. It’s a quick, tasty little treat that lends itself to a number of variations. Below are just a few to get you started.

Total Time:       15 minutes

Prep Time                 15 minutes

Cuisine                  Italian

Course                      Salad

Guests                      4

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices

• 1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• About 20 fresh basil leaves, preferably large leaves, if not, medium is fine

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Balsamic Reduction

Instructions

1.     Serving platter: Unlike other recipes, we start with the serving platter.

2.     Tomatoes: Arrange decoratively around serving platter.

3.     Mozzarella: Place a slice of mozzarella on top of the tomato.

4.     Basil: Place on top of the mozzarella.

5.     Olive Oil/Balsamic vinaigrette: Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, drizzle olive oil and then balsamic vinegar over tomatoes and mozzarella.

6.     Decorate: With a few basil leaves.

7.     Enjoy