Caprese Salad

To prepare a delicious tomato salad with mozzarella and basil, the first step is to take the mozzarella out of the box and place it on a paper towel to let the excess water drain. This will help achieve a more pleasant texture and prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Meanwhile, the tomatoes are washed with cold water to clean them of impurities and are also placed on a paper towel to drain.

Fresh basil is essential for this recipe, so let's take care of it now. It is washed well with cold water and left to drain. Once dried, the basil leaves are stacked on top of each other, rolled widthwise, and cut into thin strips known as 'julienne'. This technique not only helps release the flavors but also provides an attractive presentation.

Now, let's move on to cooking. In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme and oregano. These spices will add depth and flavor to our dish. We let the tomatoes cook for two minutes until they start to crack slightly, releasing their juice.

After the tomatoes have gained a slight consistency, remove them from the pan and place them in a deep plate or bowl. It is important to keep the oil from the pan, which we will pour over the tomatoes, adding the diced mozzarella and the strips of fresh basil. Carefully mix the ingredients, being careful not to crush the mozzarella, but just to combine them harmoniously. Taste the mixture and adjust the flavors, adding a little more salt or pepper if necessary.

To serve this salad, you can opt for toasted bread, which will add a crunchy texture and perfectly complement the fresh taste of the salad. This combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy!