Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
This is a very easy salad to make, and always a crowd pleaser! Try to use fresh garden tomatoes. If you don’t have any in your garden, supermarkets usually carry them during the summer months.
1 large, fresh garden tomato
1 ball Fresh mozzarella, in whey
1 bunch of fresh basil
1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
¼ cup organic honey
1/8 cup toasted pine nuts
Salt and pepper to taste
First, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt and pepper in a sauce pan. Let this simmer on low heat for five or six minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Set this aside and let cool for at least an hour; this is your dressing.
Next, carefully slice your tomato so that you have uniform pieces. Cut the mozzarella the same way, making sure your pieces are all the same size.
To Assemble:
Place a slice of tomato on a plate. Next, place a slice of the mozzarella, then a few pieces of basil. Place a small amount of the dressing over the layer- approximately 1 teaspoon, then salt and pepper. Repeat this process until you have used the entire tomato, mozzarella slices, and basil. When your salad is assembled, coat the top with additional dressing. Use some of the dressing, and drizzle the perimeter of the plate. Garnish with fresh basil, and pine nuts.
Happy Cooking!
Chef Chuck Kerber
chuck@cooksandeats.com