And the season of simple recipes continues…
“What are you going to do with these?” asked the farm-stand man as I was fixating on these 3 gorgeous golden tomatoes. This question always flusters me… I should have an answer, but truthfully, I buy things on a whim and usually decide what to make later. And in this case, these tomatoes were so spectacular that knew I wasn’t going to “do” much.
“Um… I’m probably just going to slice and eat them…” He looked at me with a huge grin as if I had just given the right answer. I could tell he was pleased that his tomatoes would be heading to a good home. Then he told me they would be perfect tomorrow, but only tomorrow.
This is what I love about summer.
Here’s the plate of beautiful sliced tomatoes that we enjoyed last Sunday night… elevated (just slightly) with slices of fresh mozzarella and a bright mint pesto.
A little pesto goes a long way – save the extra for simple meals throughout the week. If you make this tag #loveandlemons or @loveandlemons on Instagram!
heirloom caprese w/ mint pesto
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella
- salt & pepper
- optional - red pepper flakes & sprouts for garnish
- a huge handful of mint
- a few basil leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- juice & zest of 1 small lemon
- ¼ - ⅓ cup olive oil
- salt & pepper
- In a small food processor, blend together the mint, basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon, salt and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil until and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Slice tomatoes and cheese and arrange on a plate. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle pesto over the top.
- Store extra pesto in the fridge.
Plate: Anthropologie
the mint pesto sounds like a wonderful addition! gotta love the farmer’s market 🙂 they are always so nice and the beautiful produce you can get always makes me happy.
I’ve never tried a mint pesto before, I bet it is wonderful on a caprese. Your photos are just stunning, great job!
These tomatoes are gorgeous. Love the salad!
Everything you make is just amazingly, luxuriously gorgeous. I don’t know what I want to do more – eat it or just keep staring at it!
ha, thanks!
tomatoes look sooo gorgeous..i have a tendency to get things esp produce and cherries lately on a whim.
I love caprese salad and you’re right – it’s best to not do much to them, especially when you have gorgeous tomatoes like these involved. Beautiful photos, per usual.
This is hands down the most gorgeous caprese. If I had to sum summer up in one dish, it’s this one! yum!
Amaze. Love it!
Just need to get my hands on some good tomatoes (a challenge here in Alaska)!
I just received a bunch of fresh mint and basil in my CSA box. I should try making this pesto!
Mint Pesto, YUM! I can’t wait to try this!
I love this, it is my kind of food!!!
All I have to say is: GENIUS. And the yellow is so surprising and beautiful.
SO gorgeous! LOVE the yellow maters 🙂 Mint + basil is one of my very favorite combinations this Summer. This is lovely—pinned!
Aww that man at the farmers market sounds so nice! I love when they tell you exactly what you need to know! I’m all about simple this summer as well. Definitely trying this!
Dude! I was thinking of doing a caprese salad tonight and I wanted to jazz it up while keeping it simple and fresh, mint pesto is genius. Making this 😀
ha, great minds… 🙂
Yes! Just slicing and eating tomatoes is one of my favorite summer activities. 🙂 I love the idea of a mint pesto with this classic caprese!
me too 🙂
Beautiful photography as usual! Looks delicious 🙂
Beautiful pictures and those tomatoes look to die for!
This looks absolutely amazing, so cheerful!
The yellow and green colors are stunning here. I love this mint pest too!
thanks! I was worried it would look plain w/ red, but sometimes less is more!