Insalata Caprese

Caprese salad is the salad of dreams. It takes 5 minutes to prepare, is full of classic favours and simply bursting with goodness! My version also has a delicious basil oil drizzled over the salad which further enhances the flavour. Bellissima!  

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 buffalo mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
•  ½ a standard pack of fresh basil leaves
• Flaky sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• A sprinkling of Urfa chilli flakes
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil 
• Ciabatta, for serving
• Edible flowers, optional

For the basil oil:

• ½ a standard pack of fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp of garlic salt
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• 2-4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

Simply blitz all the ingredients in a food processor or use a pestle and mortar to make the basil oil.

Method:

1. Place the tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter. Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter in an alternating pattern.
2. Top with the basil leaves. Scatter the basil leaves over the tomatoes and mozzarella. 
3. Season with flaky salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of flaky salt, Urfa chilli flakes and cracked black pepper, to taste. 
4. Drizzle with the basil oil and edible flowers. Drizzle the basil oil (and extra virgin olive oil for added flavour) and garnish with your edible flowers over the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Serve immediately.