This salad is taken to a whole other level with a homemade balsamic glaze to top it off! Combined with a drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil, is all you need to make the perfect summertime dish.
Thoroughly wash and pat dry tomatoes and fresh basil. Slice tomatoes, working from top to bottom, into evenly sized slices approximately ¼” thick, and set aside. Discard the bottom and top slices. Cut the creamy fresh mozzarella into ¼” thick slices, as well.
On each plate, or on one large platter, start with a tomato slice, followed by mozzarella and a large, fresh basil leaf. Repeat this pattern until you’ve added 1 tomato and approximately 3 oz. of mozzarella to each plate, finishing each arrangement with a tomato slice. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Balsamic Glaze
Heat 1 cup of good balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, stirring continually. When the liquid becomes thick and syrupy, it is ready to use.
Let the balsamic reduction cool slightly before drizzling over the fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with additional sprigs of fresh basil, if desired. You can serve this salad chilled or for a softer cheese, you can serve it at room temperature. Enjoy!