La Dama Cooks... Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Serves 4-6 as an appetizer.

Vinaigrette

1/2 cup packed basil leaves
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp of white wine or champagne vinegar or even fresh lemon juice will work
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor or blender, pulse all the ingredients above until smooth. Taste for salt and set aside.

Salad

10 oz cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
8 oz of fresh cherry size mozzarella balls, cut in half
1 tbsp of fresh chopped basil for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place tomatoes on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper then drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then toss. Make sure tomatoes are facing cut side up and place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Once done, let the tomatoes cool. In the meantime, cut your mozzarella balls in half.

In a large bowl, add the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, then pour half of the vinaigrette and toss. You can add more vinaigrette if you would like but half should be enough. Serve with slices of toasted baguette.

Enjoy!