First Hints of Summer Salad

It's still too early for summer produce, yet I'm already longing for tomatoes to pair with the fresh basil coming from my herb garden.

To satisfy that craving, I came up with this "first hints of summer" salad, playing on ingredients common to my favorite summer salads: heirloom tomato panzanella and insalata caprese. Because I've been on a smoky kick, I used smoked mozzarella in place of fresh, which seems appropriate for these transitional weeks as spring turns to summer.

First Hints of Summer Salad

Serves 2

3 cups of romaine lettuce leaves
4 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, partially peeled and sliced
1 oz. smoked mozzarella cheese, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup kalamata olives
6-8 fresh basil leaves, cut in ribbons
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1tsp. Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, olives and basil in a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve in shallow bowls.