Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad originally from the island of Capri. It is perfect in the summer when local tomatoes and basil are in season and you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen! 

Ingredients:
3 firm, red tomatoes
18 oz. ball of fresh mozzarella
12 fresh whole basil leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:
1) Slice tomatoes in 1/4 inch slices.
2) Slice fresh mozzarella in 1/4 inch slices.
3) Arrange one slice of tomato with one slice of mozzarella and top with a basil leaf. Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella with basil staggering the entire surface of the serving platter or plate.
4) Sprinkle the platter with the minced garlic, salt & pepper.
5) Just before serving drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar across the entire platter.

Allowances:
Count each serving as 2 proteins (group 6) and 1 fat (group 7)