Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine in just 10 minutes - a tantalizing symphony of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fiery chili flakes that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Tomato Chili Mozzarella Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a sensory experience that promises to elevate your everyday meals from ordinary to extraordinary, with a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and rich, creamy textures.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 ball of mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry with clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even, approximately 1/4-inch thick round slices. Arrange them on a serving plate in a circular or overlapping pattern.
- Drain the mozzarella ball and slice it into similar thickness as the tomatoes, creating delicate white rounds.
- Alternately layer the tomato and mozzarella slices on the plate, creating a visually appealing pattern.
- Gently wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Tear or roughly chop the leaves to release their aromatic oils.
- Sprinkle the torn basil leaves evenly over the tomato and mozzarella arrangement.
- Drizzle the olive oil carefully over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle chili flakes across the surface, adjusting the amount based on desired spice level.
- Add salt to taste, using fine sea salt or kosher salt for best flavor.
- Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Roma or beefsteak varieties work wonderfully.
- For maximum flavor, use fresh mozzarella and let it come to room temperature before slicing.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the salad's overall taste.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance - start conservatively and add more if needed.
- For a more gourmet presentation, use a mandoline slicer to create perfectly even tomato and mozzarella slices.
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- For added complexity, consider a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
