Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil arranged beautifully, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
# Components:
→ Produce
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, mixed colors (optional)
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Cheese
04 - 9 oz fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine preferred)
→ Condiments
05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
→ Seasonings
07 - Sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Preparation steps:
01 - Slice the large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
02 - Lay the tomato slices in a starfish pattern on a large serving platter.
03 - Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them over the tomato base for color and texture.
04 - If using larger mozzarella balls, drain and slice. For bocconcini or ciliegine, leave whole. Nestle the pieces among tomato slices emphasizing the starfish pattern.
05 - Tuck fresh basil leaves evenly between the tomato and mozzarella layers to enhance visual appeal.
06 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the assembled salad, followed by balsamic glaze.
07 - Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
08 - Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional basil leaves or edible flowers.
