Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil oil create a vibrant Italian summer appetizer or light side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 - 9 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - Fresh basil leaves, whole
→ Basil Oil
05 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
06 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 small garlic clove
08 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing
10 - Flaky sea salt
11 - Freshly ground black pepper
12 - Balsamic glaze
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Combine basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until thoroughly smooth. Adjust with freshly ground black pepper as preferred.
02 - On a large serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circular or linear pattern. Place whole basil leaves between the slices. Add red onion rings if desired.
03 - Drizzle the freshly prepared basil oil generously over the salad arrangement.
04 - Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
05 - Present immediately at room temperature to optimize flavor and texture.
