A light summer dish featuring ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil arranged in a starfish shape.
# What you'll need:
→ Produce
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, mixed colors (optional)
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Cheese
04 - 9 oz fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine preferred)
→ Condiments
05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
→ Seasonings
07 - Sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Preparation steps:
01 - Cut large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
02 - Place tomato slices on a large serving platter, forming a starfish pattern.
03 - Halve cherry tomatoes and distribute evenly over the tomato base to enhance color and texture.
04 - Drain and slice mozzarella if balls are large; leave bocconcini or ciliegine whole. Nestle pieces among tomato slices to highlight the starfish design.
05 - Insert fresh basil leaves between tomato and mozzarella pieces ensuring even coverage and aesthetic appeal.
06 - Pour extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arrangement, then drizzle balsamic glaze.
07 - Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
08 - Present immediately, optionally adorned with extra basil or edible flowers.
