This simplest of summer salads — nothing more than the toppings for pizza Margherita, uncooked — calls for merely three ingredients (tomatoes, cheese, and basil) plus a drizzle of dressing. Purists use just olive oil and salt, but pepper and balsamic are nice, too.

Steps

1. Slice the tomatoes into large circles. Slice the mozzarella balls (if using large balls) into similar-sized circles.
2. In an alternating pattern, arrange the slices of tomatoes, the slices of cheese, and the basil leaves on a plate. (If using smaller balls of cheese, simply fill in the gaps around the tomatoes with the cheese.)
3. Sprinkle lightly with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pepper, and salt. Serve immediately.