Caprese Salad

Basil is by far my favorite herb. It smells amazing and tastes wonderful in many dishes... what more do you need? Dried basil never seems to be a very good substitute. I haven't done a full garden at our new home yet but I can't pass up growing a few things in pots and one of those is basil! It's so much more affordable when you keep a plant yourself rather than buying it every time you need it at the grocery store and plus then it's always on hand to enhance a dish.

Just 2 days after I bought my basil plant, I decided caprese salad would be perfect to make and would use a good amount of basil. By picking a lot it will stimulate new growth. Plus caprese salad is refreshing and delicious!

Caprese Salad
from Pioneer Woman, serves 4-5

Ingredients:
- 3 large roma tomatoes or 2 regular medium tomatoes
- 8oz fresh mozzarella (you will have a little leftover)
- 12-15 basil leaves
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- olive oil

In a small pot, bring balsamic vinegar to boil over medium low heat and let the vinegar reduce for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Let cool. Cut 16 slices of roma tomatoes or 8 slices of regular tomato and 8 slices of mozzarella. Arrange tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in a dish. I decided to use a pie dish and it fit perfectly! When ready to serve drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar reduction.

This dish was served with grilled chicken and veggies. I will share our new grilled chicken marinade recipe soon. I loved finding a new use for my fun blue pie dish from HomeGoods. Can't wait to make this again and again this summer!