tomato and smoked mozzarella sandwiches

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Tomato & Smoked Mozzarella Sandwiches

Take a classic combination like fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, add a couple flavor-packed ingredients like olives and sun-dried tomatoes, put it between two pieces of crusty bread and you'll have a satisfying weekend lunch or an easy warm-weather supper.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, (not oil-packed)
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped olives
  • 8 slices sourdough bread, preferably whole-grain
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, preferably smoked, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves