This is a great cheese delivery system disguised as 'salad'.
First, the pesto
2 cups basil leaves
1/4 tsp salt
2 large garlic cloves
6 tblsp olive oil
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
fresh ground pepper to taste
if you want a 'light' version of this, reduce the parmesan to 1/4 cup and replace 5 of the 6 tblsp olive oil with a medium peeled and seeded tomato.
put the garlic and pesto in a food processor and chop it up, add all of the remaining ingredients and mix in the food processor.
Next, the salad
Some good quality ripe tomatoes
Some good quality italian mozzarella
1-2 minced garlic cloves
1-2 tblsp balsamic vinegar
2 tblsp of the pesto from above
salt and pepper to taste
slice up the mozza and tomatoes. place a slice of tomato on top of a slice of mozza. mix up the pesto and garlic and vinegar with salt and pepper to taste and pour some on top of the tomatoes. serve.
