classic caprese salad

By dhoffmanlatter

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh, best-quality mozzarella (preferably buffalo milk)
• 4 medium heirloom tomatoes
• 1 bunch fresh basil, leaves only, some reserved for garnish
• Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
• Coarsely ground black pepper
• High-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Step 1

While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.