Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
This delightful Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad is a quintessential dish that captures the essence of European flavors ๐ช๐บ. It’s a quick and easy recipe, taking just five minutes to prepare, making it perfect for those busy days when you crave something fresh and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Each serving of this vibrant salad bursts with the goodness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for a touch of richness. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirรฉe or simply craving a light and flavorful meal, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320.3
- Fat: 26.4g
- Saturated Fat: 9.3g
- Cholesterol: 44.2mg
- Sodium: 360.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 5.4g
- Protein: 14.1g
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes ๐
- 2 balls of fresh mozzarella cheese ๐ง
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves ๐ฟ
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ๐ซ
- Salt and pepper, to taste ๐ง
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Begin by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into uniform thickness. This ensures each bite of the salad has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. |
| 2 | Arrange in a Decorative Serving Dish: Take a decorative serving dish and start arranging the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves in an alternating circular pattern. This not only makes the salad visually appealing but also ensures that each ingredient is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite. |
| 3 | Drizzle with Olive Oil: Once the ingredients are beautifully arranged, drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil. The high-quality olive oil adds a luscious richness to the salad, enhancing its overall taste and texture. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired. |
| 4 | Season to Taste: Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper according to individual taste preferences. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and mozzarella, while the pepper adds a subtle kick of spice, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously. |
| 5 | Serve and Enjoy: Your Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad is now ready to be served! ๐ Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant dish as a standalone meal or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite main course. Bon appรฉtit! |
Recipe Notes:
- For best results, use ripe, juicy tomatoes and high-quality fresh mozzarella cheese. These ingredients are the stars of the salad, so using the best quality you can find will make a significant difference in the taste and texture.
- Feel free to customize this salad according to your preferences. Add additional ingredients such as olives, red onions, or capers for extra flavor and complexity.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it shortly after preparation to experience the full freshness and vibrancy of the ingredients.
- If you’re making this salad ahead of time, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with different varieties of basil for unique flavor profiles. Thai basil or lemon basil can add a delightful twist to this classic recipe.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and simple preparation, this Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad is a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine ๐ฟ๐ . Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, offering a taste of summer all year round. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a light and satisfying meal any day of the week. Simple, elegant, and utterly delicious, this salad embodies the beauty of simplicity in every bite.
