Caprese Salad

We're still renovating our kitchen, which is exciting but tough. I'm currently compiling a list of easy meal ideas to make when you're kitchen-less which I will share soon but until then, here's something else that's quick and easy and do-able whether or not you have access to a fully functioning kitchen. We've been lucky to have lovely tomatoes growing in our garden that taste amazing and fresh bountiful basil so it was obvious. These ingredients were yelling, "Hey lady, make a caprese salad."

You just need five ingredients: tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. A bit of fresh cracked pepper is also allowed.

I love this ripe fig balsamic vinegar that we have along with a frantoio olive oil. Both are super fruity but subtle.

To assemble, slice up the tomatoes and the fresh mozzarella - equal thicknesses - and arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle with basil chiffonade and then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a bit of fresh cracked pepper, should you so desire it. This makes a great appetizer, a lovely lunch, a fun substitute for a regular salad; it's definitely a crowd pleaser and it's so fast.

Buon appetito!