Good Morning America

Fabio Viviani's Roasted Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad with Pesto

A Great Start to Any Top Dinner

The "Top Chef" contestant prepares fettuccine amatriciana and other recipes.
From the kitchen of Fabio Viviani
|
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 1-30 min

Fabio Viviani was the handsome, charming Italian "Top Chef" contestant "fresh out of the boat," as he put it, who didn't take home top honors but did capture viewers' hearts.

He was recently voted the "fan favorite" of the popular Bravo TV reality show and took home $10,000.

From Florence, Italy, Viviani, 31, is owner and executive chef of Café Firenze Italian Restaurant and Martini Bar, in Ventura County, Calif. Here he shares some of his best recipes.

Ingredients

  • Salad
  • 6 Roma tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • 2 garlic gloves, minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 balls buffalo mozzarella, in 3/4-inch slices (6 ounces per ball)
  • 10 leaves fresh basil, approximately
  • Pesto
  • 1 lb. fresh basil, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Cooking Directions

    Preheat oven to 425°F.

    Cut the 6 Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet.

    Drizzle liberally with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

    Roast in the oven at 425°F for about 25 minutes.

    To assemble the salad: Place the tomato and the mozzarella in a tower with a basil leaf between each layer. Season every layer with the salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

    Pesto

    Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend.

    Drizzle over salad. Add more basil and some shaved Parmesan for garnish, if desired.

    *Recipe courtesy of Chef Fabio Viviani, owner & executive chef of Café Firenze in Moorpark, Calif.

    Recipe Summary

    Main Ingredients: mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil

    Course: Appetizer/Starter, Dinner, Dressing, Salad, Vegetable


    Other Recipes That You Might Like

    Recipe: Wolfgang Puck's Take on Caprese Salad

    Wolfgang Puck Presents a Twist on the Classic Italian Salad

    "Top Chef" Favorite Fabio's Tiramisu

    'Top Chef' Fan Favorite Fabio Shares His Grandmother's Tiramisu Recipe

    Fabio's Fabulous Brown Butter Sage Sauce

    Top Chef Fan Favorite Heats Up the Kitchen With This Pasta Sauce

    Top Chef Favorite Fabio's 'Naked Ravioli'

    Top Chef Fan Favorite Heats Up the Kitchen With This Pasta Dish

    Scott Conant's Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Learn to Love the Tomato With This Delicious and Healthy Salad

    Minestrone Salad

    Recipes for a Casual Dinner Party
    How Did You Like This Recipe?

    Slice, dice, cook, or bake: we want to hear from you about GMA Recipes! Did the meal you found on ABCNews.com find a place in your recipe box or a place on the curb? Let us know your thoughts and thanks for visiting GMA Recipes.

     
    Check Out These RecipeKernls!
    The chef cooks up fast and healthy meals you can serve your family.
    A slow cooker can be your answer to breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
    GMA Food Confessions
    More Recipes
    PHOTO OVEN-CRISPY BACON

    Desperate for Some Breakfast Ideas?

    Get your fix over at "GMA's" Breakfast Recipes Page and never eat just bacon again!
    VIDEO: Julia Child recommends sushi, the Japanese raw fish dish.

    The Legendary Julia Child's Recipes

    Master chef's favorite recipes and classic videos
    More Ways To Get GMA
    Emails Emails
    Food Tips: How To...
    VIDEO: Sara Moulton explains how to make your food last longer.

    Make Food Last Longer

    The average family tosses nearly $500 of produce a year.

    9 Ways to Get Quick Supermarket Savings

    Things to know before your next shopping trip.
    GMA Recipes Shoutout
    Reply: