California Peach Caprese Salad

Happy 4th of July, Fellow Americans!  It's a perfect day to have an outdoor barbecue-- invite a few friends and family, doing some grilling and to relax.

This year, is a little different at our house. It's in shambles, because my husband is replacing our tired and worn out living room/dining room carpet with new wood flooring.  So, I'm holed up in our Master Bedroom with my laptop and an elderly Feline (who is feeling a little out of sorts with all the banging and dust).

 Navigating to the kitchen is a little tricky, but we still have to eat!  I've been following Sam's blog for some time, and when she shared her twist on a classic Italian-- as Georgia Caprese Salad -- I became obsessed with wanting to make it.

It's been a very long time since I've had a Georgia Peach.  Fortunately, California does grow sweet and juicy peaches, and the season is in full swing.

If you've never had a classic Italian Caprese Salad, it's made with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and  fresh basil.  The flavors of summer!

Sam's recipe uses fresh sliced peaches, mozzarella and basil, with a vinaigrette that includes fresh lime juice and honey.  It took less than 10 minutes to make this for a lunch/snack.

In a bowl, I squeeze the juice of one lime, then added some white balsamic vinegar (you could use white vinegar), a little honey and olive oil.  I added a little coarse salt & pepper, to taste.

Gently combine.  I chose not to use mint with this, because Craig isn't crazy about fresh mint. We both love basil, though. This took less than 10 minutes to make. Easy peasy.

TASTING NOTES:  This would be a lovely side dish at a barbecue, and would pair well with either pork or chicken.  We ate ours as a very light lunch, and loved it.  I adore white balsamic vinegar, because it's the perfect balance of sweet and sour.  My son loved it, too.   I need to grab some more fresh peaches, before the season is over.  It's a refreshing salad and a fun twist on Italian Caprese salad.  Recipe slightly adapted from here.   Thanks, Sam!

Tomorrow, the house will be filled with the aroma of fresh paint.  Hopefully, by Sunday, the new floors will be finished and I can put the house back together again.  I owe my husband some special recipes, and I'm happy to do it as a special "thank you".  He's doing the work, pretty much, by himself.  I'm a lucky woman!