# What You’ll Need:
→ Produce
01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors, optional)
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Cheese
04 - 9 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine preferred)
→ Condiments
05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
→ Seasonings
07 - Sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Slice the large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
02 - Arrange the tomato slices on a large serving platter in a starfish shape.
03 - Scatter halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the tomato base to add color and texture.
04 - Drain and slice larger mozzarella balls if necessary, or leave bocconcini/ciliegine whole, then nestle them among the tomato slices to highlight the starfish pattern.
05 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between tomato and mozzarella pieces for even distribution and visual appeal.
06 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad, followed by balsamic glaze.
07 - Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad according to preference.
08 - Present immediately, optionally garnished with extra basil leaves or edible flowers.
