Ingredients

• 4 whole tomatoes, sliced
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil, leaves, whole or torn
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slice crusty Italian bread
• 1 clove garlic (for bread), halved
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for bread)

Steps

1. Slice the tomatoes into 0.5-inch thick rounds and place on a cutting board. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the fresh mozzarella into 0.5-inch thick rounds, roughly matching the tomato slices in size.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
4. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the 0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil to create a vinaigrette. Set aside.
5. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter in an alternating or overlapping pattern. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
6. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the caprese salad just before serving.
7. Rub the cut sides of the halved garlic clove over both sides of each bread slice.
8. Lightly brush each bread slice with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides.
9. Serve the caprese salad immediately alongside the garlic bread.