California Peach Caprese Salad

By Foodiewife

A Classic Italian Caprese salad has three components: fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. This is a fun twist, using peaches instead of tomato and it's a beautiful blend of sweet and savory. This recipe is slightly adapted from the food blog "My Carolina Kitchen". Thanks, Sam!

Ingredients

• VINAIGRETTE:
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (Champagne or white wine vinegar will do)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• SALAD:
• 4 ounces tiny water-packed mozzarella cheese balls
• 4 ripe peaches, unpeeled, each cut into eight wedges
• 6 to 8 large fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn into pieces, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare the vinaigrette by combining the ingredients in a glass jar with a screw top lid. Shake well to combine and set aside.

NOTE:
I don't measure when I made vinaigrette, and just pour and measure into a bowl. Either way will do, but taste and adjust the seasoning to your own liking.

Cut cheese into 1-inch pieces (or leave whole if they are small balls) and gently toss with the peaches.

Add the vinaigrette and toss again gently.

Layer the basil leaves, then roll into a cigar shape. Slice thin (you just performed a "chiffonade" cut).

Add a little freshly ground black pepper and the basil and the optional mint pieces. Serve right away.