This is a recipe that my family has used for decades. We grow our own basil and tomatoes just so we can have this salad any time we crave it (thats about every day during the summer). We always add our favorite sour dough bread cut up into 1 inch cubes. For the best flavor be sure to use fresh mini mozzarella balls. You can find fresh mozzarella in Italian delis, gourmet markets, cheese shops and some grocery stores.

INGREDIENTS:
18 mini balls of fresh mozzarella cheese, or a 12 ounce ball cut into 1/4 inch slices
6 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 Sour Dough bread loaf, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red onion, sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup italian olives
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cheese, bread, onion, oil, vinegar, basil, olives, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings. Preparation time, 15 minutes.

Created by Richard, Deborah and Robert Mitchell.
Submitted by Cal-Italia.com