Wash the tomatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the stem and slice the tomatoes into rounds, about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick.
Similarly, slice the mozzarella into rounds, approximately the same thickness as the tomatoes.
Wash the fresh basil leaves and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
On a serving platter, begin assembling the Caprese salad. Arrange the tomato slices on the platter, followed by a slice of mozzarella slightly overlapping each tomato.
Place a fresh basil leaf on each mozzarella slice, slightly overlapping the tomato.
Continue overlapping until you have used all the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. The final presentation should be a beautiful arrangement of alternating tomato and mozzarella slices, adorned with basil leaves.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad, making sure to cover all the ingredients evenly.
Season the salad with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve the classic Caprese salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.