Tomato-Cucumber Stack w/ Fresh Mozzarella

s'kat's Note:

I had never heard of this dish before tasting it last summer at my fiancee's house. Then, everywhere I went it began to pop up. Its simple, down-to-earth charm depends upon the freshness of the ingredients- I can't wait for tomato season to return!

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 medium cucumber , sliced 1/4-inch
• 2 -3 tomatoes , sliced 1/4-inch (preferably vine-ripened)
• ¼ red onion , very thinly sliced
• 8 large fresh basil leaves , chopped
• 3 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
• 2 -3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• fresh mozzarella cheese , , sliced 1/4-inch (, fromaggio di buffalo)

Directions:

1. Combine vinegar and oil in small bowl; whisk in garlic, sugar and red pepper flakes.
2. Arrange in individual stacks, or together on a serving platter, as follows: Cucumber, tomato, onion, mozzarella.
3. Repeat layers as necessary.
4. Scatter basil leaves liberally.
5. Drizzle vinaigrette; best if flavors are left to marinate for one hour.

Reviews

[bratty]

this was great, and sooooo easy. i had more than enough fresh tomatoes from the garden, and it was a great combination of flavors. a keeper for sure!

[Merlot]

This is a wonderful way to use fresh produce! I'm fortunate to have an excellent Italian grocery store nearby where I can buy the fresh mozzarella. I overlapped the cucumber slices, the tomato slices and the mozzarella slices on a plate to make a pretty flower pattern. I used fresh basil leaves from my herb garden. Soooo good. Thanks for sharing this. :-)

[becrossman]

I haven't tried this one but have another similar recipe (without the cucumber) and what you do is marinate the mozzarella with the vinegrette and then stack them up, hold together with a toothpick and put on the BBQ until the cheese starts to melt. VERY good.