STACKED TOMATO SALAD WITH BLACK OLIVE TAPENADE AND SWEET BASIL DRESSING

Stacked Tomato Salad with Black Olive Tapenade and Sweet Basil Dressing image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

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3 pounds ripe tomatoes, (beefsteak, yellow, and heirloom), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Tapenade, recipe follows
1 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves and sprigs, for layering and for garnish
Fresh basil leaves and sprigs, for layering and for garnish
Sweet Basil Dressing, recipe follows
2 cups kalamata or nicoise olives, pitted
3 cloves garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped
5 anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup pure olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 basil leaves, cut into chiffonade

Steps:

Place a tomato slice on a plate and spread with some of the tapenade. Then place a slice of the mozzarella on top, add a few basil leaves, and finish with another tomato slice. You can add another layer to make Napoleon as high as you desire. Top with another small spoonful of the tapenade and then drizzle the Sweet Basil Dressing over the tomato and around the plate. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and repeat to make 4 to 6 plates.
Combine olives, garlic, anchovies and pine nuts in a food processor and process until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Whisk together vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and then stir in the basil.