Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is about the easiest salad in the world to make but it looks and tastes like it's worth more effort. We had a caprese salad when we were in Charlotte last month and decided to make our own when Whole Foods put their fresh mozzarella on sale.

You want to use really good ingredients for this because it is so simple, so make sure tomatoes are in season. Homegrown (or farmers market) tomatoes are best for this in my opinion.

It it truly delicious and a great side or first course for just about anything. We took this on a picnic and it worked beautifully. The balsamic is what really kicks this up the flav-o-meter so be sure to get the good stuff. You can also put the balsamic in a pot and reduce it for a more intense flavor but either way is good.

Ingredients
1 tomato
1 ball of fresh mozzarella
8-10 basil leaves
2 tbsp good balsamic vinegar.
2 tbsp good olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Slice the tomato and mozzarella. Layer on a plate, placing a basil leaf on top of the tomato. Mix vinegar and oil and drizzle over salad. Add salt and pepper to taste.