📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to the rugged Amalfi Coast with this quintessential Italian classic, naturally perfect for a ketogenic lifestyle. This salad celebrates the harmony of peak-summer heirloom tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and the peppery punch of fresh Genovese basil. By focusing on the highest quality fats and garden-fresh produce, we create a dish that is as visually stunning as it is nutritionally satisfying.
🥗 Ingredients
The Produce
- 3 large Heirloom Tomatoes (assorted colors, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved, for texture variety)
- 1 large bunch Fresh Genovese Basil (leaves picked and washed)
The Cheese
- 16 ounces Mozzarella di Bufala (drained and sliced into rounds or torn by hand)
Keto-Friendly Glaze & Oils
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (cold-pressed, high quality)
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (to be reduced into a thick glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice (to brighten the basil oil)
Seasoning & Finish
- 1 tablespoon Maldon Sea Salt (flaky texture is essential)
- 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (freshly cracked)
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts (lightly toasted for crunch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Start by preparing the balsamic reduction: Place the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon and has reduced by half. Set aside to cool completely; it will thicken further as it rests.
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2
While the vinegar reduces, prepare the vibrant basil oil. Blanch 1/2 cup of basil leaves in boiling water for 10 seconds, then immediately shock in an ice bath to preserve the emerald green color.
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3
Pat the blanched basil dry with paper towels. Place it in a high-speed blender with the extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until completely smooth.
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4
Strain the basil oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a small bowl. This liquid gold will be used to drizzle over the final dish.
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5
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking constantly until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
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6
Slice your heirloom tomatoes into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. If using varied colors, keep them organized to create a beautiful gradient on the plate.
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7
Gently pat the mozzarella slices with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture prevents the salad from becoming 'soupy' on the plate.
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8
Begin the assembly: On a large, chilled platter, alternate a slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella in a circular or linear shingle pattern.
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9
Tuck the remaining fresh, raw basil leaves between the tomato and cheese slices, allowing the leaves to peek out attractively.
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10
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the top and around the edges of the platter to add height and dimension.
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11
Generously season the entire platter with the flaky Maldon sea salt and a heavy crack of black pepper. The salt is crucial for drawing out the tomato juices.
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12
Drizzle the basil oil in a zig-zag motion across the salad, followed by dots of the cooled balsamic reduction.
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13
Finish by sprinkling the toasted pine nuts over the top for a sophisticated, nutty crunch that complements the creamy cheese.
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14
Serve immediately at room temperature. The flavors are most vibrant when the tomatoes haven't been chilled right before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use tomatoes at room temperature; refrigeration kills their delicate flavor and alters the texture. Buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala) is much creamier and tangier than cow's milk mozzarella, making it worth the splurge. For the cleanest slices of cheese, use a very sharp serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss. If you are strictly keto, use the balsamic reduction sparingly as it concentrates the natural sugars, or substitute with a splash of red wine vinegar and extra basil oil. Always add the salt at the very last second before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming mushy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a chilled glass of crisp Vermentino or a dry Rosé. Serve alongside grilled rosemary-lemon chicken for a complete keto-friendly dinner. Accompany with keto-friendly flaxseed crackers for an added textural element. For a brunch twist, serve with soft-boiled eggs and avocado slices. Finish the meal with a few espresso shots for an authentic Italian experience.