Prepare the Ingredients:

Rinse the tomatoes and basil leaves under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Slice the tomatoes into thick slices (about 1/2 inch thick).

Drain the buffalo mozzarella and slice it into similar thickness as the tomatoes.

Assemble the Salad:

On a large serving plate, alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella slices. Start with a slice of tomato, then a slice of mozzarella, followed by a basil leaf. Repeat this until all ingredients are used.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the assembled salad. If you like, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.

Let It Stand:

Allow the salad to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Serve:

Serve fresh as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal!

Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding slices of grilled chicken or shrimp.

Seasonal Twist: Incorporate seasonal fruits like peaches or figs for a unique twist.

Herb Infusion: Experiment with other fresh herbs such as mint or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.