Fresh Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Arugula

Begin by washing the tomatoes and arugula thoroughly. This is important as it gets rid of any unwanted grit or dirt, especially in the arugula. Remember to pat them dry to avoid a soggy salad.

Slice your tomatoes into even, medium-thick rounds. There's something so satisfying about slicing a perfectly ripe tomato, you want to preserve that juiciness!

Cut the mozzarella cheese into thin slices. Tasty tip: If you have a hard time slicing fresh mozzarella, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before cutting.

In a large salad bowl, first layer the tomato slices, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then layer with arugula and pieces of mozzarella.

Next, prepare your dressing. Just whisk together olive oil, the juice of one lemon, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Now here is a tried-and-true tip: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, to ensure it's just right.

Drizzle the dressing evenly over your salad, then garnish with fresh basil leaves for that fantastic aromatic finish.

Serve immediately, as this salad is best enjoyed fresh. Bon appétit!