These warm & sunny days make me want to get outside and play! Or swim! Or BBQ! Pretty much enjoy the weather before it becomes scorching hot. It also makes me think of tomatoes. So in honor of our beautiful early summer, here’s a recipe that is simple and quick. Looks gorgeous for a party or just to enjoy for a light meal. Because the genius is in its simplicity, make sure you use the best ingredients you can get your hands on (or afford).

Insalata Caprese

Tomatoes
Fresh Mozzarella
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Basil
Sea Salt/Pepper to taste

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into slices of about the same thickness. Arrange on your dish. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and drizzle with the olive oil. Don’t skimp too much on the seasoning – real mozzarella doesn’t have a lot of taste, so it really picks up the flavors of the oil and spices. Now add the basil – you can place it as whole leaves or sprinkle as ribbons – whatever you prefer. If using whole leaves you might want to drizzle a little bit of the olive oil on them, just to give them shine. Serve with bread (to sop up all the good juices left behind).

The amount of tomatoes and mozzarella you use will of course depend on how many the salad will be serving. Try to find really good, fresh mozzarella – in Dallas many of our grocery stores make it onsite or you can pick up the delicious products from The Mozzarella Company. Other variations to the basic recipe: drizzle good balsamic vinegar alongside the olive oil; instead of basil, use oregano – fresh or dried; make “kebabs” with bocconcini (little mozzarella balls), a basil leaf, and cherry tomato; use various heirloom tomatoes so the slices are all different colors; or toss the fresh ingredients with pasta. They're ALL delicious. Buon Appetito!