Insalata Caprese is the classic Italian salad. I often eat it as a main meal.

I haven't specified quantities, since it depends whether you are serving it as a starter or a main course.

1. Thinly slice large ripe tomatoes (preferably Spanish tomotoes).
2. Thinly slice mozarella cheese (I usually cut the mozarella in half before slicing otherwise the slices tend to be too large).
3. Wash fresh basil, and separate the leaves from the stems, discarding any that don't look OK.
4. On a large dish, place in turn a slice of tomato, a basil leaf (or part of one, if the leaves are bigger than the tomato slices), and a slice of mozarella, around the dish, until all of the ingredients are used up.
5. Sprinkle plenty of salt & freshly ground black pepper on the salad.
6. Make a dressing, using about equal quantities of olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Other ingredients, such as whole grain mustard, paprika powder, etc. can be added, to taste. I like a lot of dressing.
7. Stir the dressing and pour over the salad just before serving.
8. Serve with warm fresh bread, e.g. malted bread rolls or baguettes. The bread is to mop up the dressing.