Italian summer salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil oil, and optional balsamic glaze. Light and refreshing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 - 9 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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 (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Place fresh basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and sea salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper as needed. Set aside.
02 - On a large serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circular or row pattern. Tuck whole basil leaves between the slices. Add thinly sliced red onion rings if using.
03 - Generously drizzle the prepared basil oil over the arranged salad.
04 - Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature to maximize flavor.
