I love summer because it brings sweet and juicy tomatoes, and tons of basil. Both seasonal ingredients are a perfect match for each other and often end up together in a Caprese Salad. Here is an updated version of this classic Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, but instead of whole basil leaves and a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, I made a wonderful Basil Vinaigrette that melded the flavours of the fresh tomatoes and the silky mozzarella. This salad is going to be a staple in our house this summer, especially when our tomatoes in the garden ripen and my awesome mozzarella cheese making kit arrives next week!
This Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette made enough for 4 lunch servings at $1.74 per serving.
The most important component of this recipe is great tomatoes. I don’t think it matters what kind of tomatoes you buy, as long as they are freshest and most ripe tomatoes that you can buy. I bought a great mix of different kinds of cherry tomatoes from the Farmers’ Market and they were incredible. Cut up the tomatoes and mix them with some chopped fresh mozzarella.
The Basil Vinaigrette was really easy to make and would make a nice addition to any other kind of salad you are making this summer. Buy, or in my case pick, one cup of packed sweet basil leaves and whiz them in the food processor with a clove of garlic. I always like to add a ton of extra garlic to every recipe I make, but be sure to only use 1 clove so you don’t overwhelm the taste of fresh basil. After the basil and garlic are finely chopped, add 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons of Champagne or white wine vinegar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Whiz again until the vinaigrette is smooth and then season with salt and pepper.
Put the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad on a platter and then drizzle with the Basil Vinaigrette. If your basil plants are flowering, cut off the edible flowers and place them on the salad for a pretty finishing touch. This salad can only be made better by adding a glass of cold white wine.
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