Ingredients:

• Ripe tomatoes of various colors (red, yellow, heirloom)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh mozzarella or feta cheese (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Crushed garlic (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by selecting a variety of tomatoes—using different colors not only makes the dish visually appealing but also enhances the flavor profile. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into even segments or wedges. The key is to get pieces that are easy to eat but still show off the beauty of the tomatoes.
2. Layer Flavors: In a large salad bowl, layer your sliced tomatoes with thinly sliced red onion and fresh basil leaves. If you’re using garlic, sprinkle the crushed garlic over the tomatoes now. This builds layers of flavor that meld beautifully when dressed.
3. Add Cheese: If you’re including cheese, tear fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creaminess of the cheese complements the acidity of the tomatoes wonderfully.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. The quality of these ingredients makes a difference, so use the best you have—it will elevate the taste of the salad significantly.
5. Season: Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and bring the whole salad together.
6. Chill or Serve Immediately: This salad can be served immediately or chilled for a short time in the fridge to let the flavors blend together more deeply.

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