Caprese Salad

Caprese (salad in the style of Capri) is a simple yet magical salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, Italian spices, vinegar, and olive oil. Its a great summer salad, and can't love it enough. I love it as a side to a nice steak dinner, as an appetizer, or as a 6 p.m.-home-from-work-and-starving snack.

...but you didn't need me to tell you why I love it, did you? Just look at it - it speaks for itself. I'm sure everyone has their favorite way of making Caprese Salad - but here's mine!

To make this easy salad, you need a hunk of fresh, soft mozzarella, one large or two medium beefsteak tomatoes, lots of fresh basil, olive oil, salt and pepper, an Italian seasonings grinder, and balsamic vinegar.

^^ a delicious blend of textures and flavors ^^

I like to slice the tomatoes rather thick, then chop them into quarters. It's less work at the table if you do the cutting step before sitting down - and I need as minimal amount of time as possible between Caprese on the plate and Caprese in my mouth.

Then, top each tomato with a quartered cheese chunk (and throw in some more if you want) and of course, lots of fresh basil. I season with an Italian herb grinder, which you can find at any grocery store, salt, and some pepper before drizzling with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

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Caprese Salad

• 1 large beefsteak tomato, sliced thick and quartered
• 1 log fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thick and halved or quarted 
• Fresh torn basil 
• Ground pepper, salt, and Italian seasonings to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar

1. Layer slices of tomatoes and mozzarella on a shallow plate, adding a piece of torn basil leaf on each.

2. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.