Name: Insalata Caprese
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 10-12oz package of cherry tomatoes; 1 8oz package, fresh mozzarella cheese (or handmade) or ciliegine; 10-12 fresh basil leaves; Balsamic reduction, balsamic vinegar, or balsamic vinaigrette; Freshly cracked black pepper

Ingredients

1 10-12oz package of cherry tomatoes
1 8oz package, fresh mozzarella cheese (or handmade) or ciliegine
10-12 fresh basil leaves
Balsamic reduction, balsamic vinegar, or balsamic vinaigrette
Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Chop cherry tomatoes in half and place into a bowl
Chop mozzarella into small cubes or chunks (or if using ciliegine, chop in half) and combine with the tomatoes
Chop basil leaves by laying several leaves on top of each other, rolling and slicing into strips, add to the mozzarella and tomatoes
Lightly drizzle with balsamic reduction and stir until covered or do the same with balsamic vinegar and a splash of olive oil. Substitute balsamic vinaigrette or even italian dressing with a bit of balsamic vinegar added to the bowl. Toss.
Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper

Notes

This is a very flexible recipe. You can also use slicing tomatoes and larger slices of mozzarella and whole basil leaves to create stacks, then drizzle with balsamic reduction. This version does require the reduction though, and it stands on high quality ingredients.

Do not add onions or garlic to this dish as it will throw off the flavors.