Summer Tomato Salad Basil Oil (Printable version)

Juicy heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella and basil oil create a light, colorful summer salad.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Dairy

03 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn

→ Fresh Herbs

04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Oils & Seasonings

05 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
07 - Sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine basil leaves and olive oil in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if a clear oil is desired.
02 - Place tomato slices on a large serving platter, tuck mozzarella pieces among the tomatoes, and scatter red onion slices if using.
03 - Drizzle basil oil generously over the salad, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Finish with a drizzle of vinegar just before serving and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes from start to serving, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something special but not complicated.
  • The basil oil transforms ordinary olive oil into something so aromatic your kitchen smells like an Italian garden.
  • It's a dish that actually tastes better when tomatoes are in season, which means you're eating what nature intended.
02 -
  • If your tomatoes taste watery or bland, they're not ready—this is a dish where the tomato is the whole story, so don't fight unripe fruit.
  • The basil oil will darken slightly as it sits; that's oxidation doing its thing, and it's fine, but making it close to serving time keeps that brilliant green color.
03 -
  • Make the basil oil in a food processor instead of a blender if you want a thicker, more textured result—each method gives a slightly different character.
  • A tiny pinch of fleur de sel sprinkled right at the end gives you those little flavor bursts that make people ask what you did differently.
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