Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preparing your tomatoes and avocados, as these are the most time-sensitive ingredients.
- Slice 4 beefsteak or slicing tomatoes thinly and arrange them in a bowl, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
- While the tomatoes rest, prepare your avocados by cutting them in half lengthwise. Twist gently to loosen the halves and pull them apart, then carefully remove the pit.
- Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, peel away the skin, and cut the halves into quarters. Slice the avocado quarters lengthwise into thin slices, then immediately sprinkle with 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice to prevent oxidation and browning.
- Next, prepare your mozzarella by thinly slicing 8 oz (250g) of fresh mozzarella. This should ideally be done just before assembly to maintain its creamy texture and delicate quality. The key to this salad is in the presentation, so take care when arranging the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and avocado slices on a serving platter, layering or alternating them in an attractive pattern that showcases each ingredient.
- To finish, drizzle the composed salad with 3–4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, distributing it evenly across all the ingredients.
- Add fresh basil sprigs as garnish just before serving to preserve the herb's vibrant color and aromatic qualities. The combination of these simple, high-quality ingredients creates a balanced dish with complementary flavors and textures, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
