This simple salad makes a great first course for your Italian meal (or eat it at the end of dinner like Italians do).  It’s great paired with a crusty bread.

Salad:
1 head romaine lettuce
1 pint grape tomatoes
6 oz fresh mozarella

Dressing:
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper to taste (just a few dashes)
1/3 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Wash and chop lettuce into bite size pieces.  Slice tomatoes in half (or in quarters if larger).  Cut mozzarella into small chunks.  Toss all together.

In a small dish, mix vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir until salt is dissolved. Add olive oil and mix well (it is best to place in a covered container and shake).  Serve salad with dressing on the side or toss all together.