Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Use only homegrown garden or quality vine-ripened commercial tomatoes (such as Compari) for the ultimate taste in this version of the classic Italian Caprese salad.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 large ripe tomatoes cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
8 to 12 fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Arrange tomato slices on a large serving plate; place a slice of cheese atop each tomato slice and top with a basil leaf.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Drizzle mixture over the tomato/cheese/basil layers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 servings.