Italian salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and homemade basil oil. Simple, flavorful, and ideal for summer meals.
# What You Need:
→ Salad
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 - 9 ounces 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 Steps:
01 - In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with black pepper. Set aside.
02 - On a large serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella. Tuck whole basil leaves between slices. Add thin red onion rings if using.
03 - Generously drizzle the basil oil over the arranged salad components.
04 - Top with flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature to highlight flavors and textures.
