Easy Peasy Caprese Salad

We've been working on our yard a lot this year.  The deck has been stained and sealed with new lights installed all around.  I got a great little corner plant stand to hold some of my plants and herbs.  Mr. Devilish Dish got a new grill he's been playing with.  Once we pop up the big red umbrella and turn on the tunes it is a great little place to dine al fresco or enjoy an evening cocktail.  Now in no way do I have a green thumb, but I try harder every year.  I really love having tomatoes, peppers and especially fresh herbs for cooking.  So when Mr. Devilish Dish suggested an impromptu meal on the patio with friends I was totally excited to show off our hard work.  I wasn't as excited when he suggested grilling beer brats for dinner, with the usual side dishes of baked beans and potato salad.  Don't get me wrong, I love baked beans and potato salad and they are my go-to summer side dishes, BUT it was a small gathering which didn't require the typical large, potluck-style side dish.  We ran to the store for a few essentials and I said, "Let me assess what produce looks the prettiest and I will create a side dish around that."  I found the prettiest package of little organic heirloom tomatoes.  Not only were they bursting with flavor, but the color variety was gorgeous.  When you start with great tomatoes, you really don't need a lot of ingredients to improve upon their flavor.  I knew immediately a Caprese-style salad would be perfect.  The traditional Caprese salad features alternating tomato and mozzarella slices topped with fresh basil leaves and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic.  With a patio full of fresh herbs that would be no problem.  I grabbed a package of mozzarella pearls, because I knew their tiny bite size would be ideal with the cherry tomatoes.  This salad goes together in under 10 minutes and makes the perfect fresh side dish for any grilled meal.  And with the weather getting hotter and tomatoes getting riper, you'll want to make this all summer, it is easy peasy!

A colorful side dish perfect for dining al fresco.
Goes together in under 10 minutes.
Easy Peasy!

Only 5 ingredients...

Check out the vibrant colors
of the fresh tomatoes and basil!

EASY PEASY CAPRESE SALAD

1 package cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 package mozzarella pearls
1/4 fresh basil leaves cut chiffonade-style
2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil (I used a green chile-infused olive oil)
1 tablespoon good-quality vinegar (I used a poblano chile vinegar from Santa Fe) *SEE NOTE
fresh cracked pepper and flaky sea salt to taste

Combine tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.  Drizzle with oil and vinegar.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Toss to combine and serve immediately.

*NOTE  if you use balsamic vinegar (unless you choose a white balsamic) your salad will taste great but it will turn an muddy brown color.  I opted for a lighter vinegar so we could enjoy the vibrant colors of the fresh tomatoes.

Prep Time:  Approximately 10 minutes  Serves 4