Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Pearls

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella pearls*
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)

Instructions

1. Drain mozzarella in a strainer placed in the sink while you wash and chop herbs. Be sure mozzarella is drained well and pat dry with paper towels if needed.
2. Wash herbs, spin dry in salad spinner or blot dry with paper towels, then finely chop enough fresh herbs to make 1/2 cup.
3. Mix chopped herbs with olive oil and red pepper flakes and season with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Put mozzarella pieces into a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid, add olive oil mixture and stir to combine. Put lid on container and marinate mozzarella at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, turning container over a few times so the mozzarella stays covered with the olive oil-herb mixture.
5. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

* Or use any type of fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-size pieces.