A vibrant mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil presented in a starfish form with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
# 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 ounces fresh mozzarella, bocconcini or ciliegine preferred
→ Condiments
05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
→ Seasonings
07 - Sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Cut the large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
02 - Place the tomato slices on a large serving platter, forming a starfish shape.
03 - Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them evenly over the tomato base to enhance color and texture.
04 - If using larger mozzarella balls, drain and slice them; for bocconcini or ciliegine, leave whole. Nestle pieces among tomato slices to emphasize the starfish design.
05 - Distribute fresh basil leaves evenly, tucking them between tomato and mozzarella layers for visual appeal.
06 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arrangement, followed by balsamic glaze.
07 - Lightly sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
08 - Present immediately, optionally garnished with extra basil leaves or edible flowers.
