Nothing says summer like plump, juicy tomatoes fresh off the vine. And a great way to serve them is in a mozzarella and tomato salad. It's simple to throw together, requires no cooking and looks as good as it tastes. For the ultimate in flavor, stay away from dried basil and packaged mozzarella slices. Pungent basil straight from the garden along with a ball of fresh mozzarella will make this mouth watering dish unforgettable. Read on to learn more.
Instructions
1. Place thick slices of sun ripened tomatoes in single layer on a platter or large shallow casserole dish. Use about 2 pounds of your favorite variety, though beefsteak, globe and heirloom are the most popular.
2. Slice a pound of fresh mozzarella and place a slice on top of each piece of tomato. Buffalo milk mozzarella has a wonderful flavor; but the variety made from cow's milk will work as well.
3. Roll 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves together in a cigar like fashion and chop very finely. Then sprinkle on top of the mozzarella slices. You can add fresh oregano to your salad as well for an added zing.
4. Drizzle a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella so that each slice in the salad is well coated.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and chill until ready to serve.
Tags: fresh mozzarella, mozzarella slices, salad well