Bibb Lettuce Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil Vinaigrette, and Pine Nuts

Method

This simple salad reworks the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

• 1 cup tightly packed basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 heaping teaspoon sugar
• Small pinch cayenne
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 large heirloom tomato, cut into quarters
• 4 thin slices mozzarella
• 4 leaves Bibb lettuce

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

Place the basil, parsley, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and cayenne in a blender. Purée until smooth and frothy.With the blender still running, slowly drizzle in the oil to make a vinaigrette. Set aside.

Place the pine nuts in a small baking dish and toast in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over high heat. Let the vinegar reduce for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is thick and syrupy. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Set the oven to broil. Place the tomato quarters in a baking dish. Top each wedge with a mozzarella slice. Place under the broiler and cook until the mozzarella is golden brown, about 3 minutes.

To serve, divide the lettuce leaves among 4 serving plates. Place a broiled tomato wedge on top of each piece of lettuce. Drizzle with basil vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.

Yield

4 servings