Ingredients

• 4 -5 flavor intense seasonal tomatoes
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese
• 30 fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 tablespoon fine olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store bought)

Instructions

1. Core and cut tomatoes vertically into 1/4 inches' thick slices. If not pre-sliced, cut fresh mozzarella into 18 equal slices.

2. Assemble (using the largest diameter slices first), place one slice of tomatoes on each plate followed by a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf. Repeat, by adding another slice of tomatoes, a basil leaf and another slice of cheese, basil and tomatoes, etc.

3. Spoon a light coating of olive oil and very lightly salt. Finish with healthy drizzle of balsamic glaze.

4. Important, use fresh mozzarella in brine sold either at the deli counter or in vacuum sealed packages. Fresh mozzarella is not the same as "Buffalo Mozzarella". True Italian Buffalo Mozzarella is traditionally made from buffalo milk. It is sold as "Mozzarella di Bufala Campana" and is certified and protected. It is also welcomed in this salad.