# What You Need:
→ Filling
02 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Basil oil
07 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - Pinch of salt
→ Topping
10 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely diced
11 - 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, finely diced
12 - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
# How To Make It:
01 - Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then cover, remove from the heat, and let stand for 10 minutes to develop a fully set yolk.
02 - Transfer the eggs immediately to an ice bath and cool for 5 minutes to stop cooking; this simplifies peeling and preserves a tender white.
03 - Crack and peel the eggs under running water if needed. Slice each egg lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks, placing the whites on a serving platter and the yolks into a mixing bowl.
04 - Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste for a balanced, creamy filling.
05 - Combine basil leaves, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small blender or food processor and purée until bright green. Optionally strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky oil.
06 - Transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag or use a spoon to portion an even amount into each egg white half, producing neat mounds.
07 - Drizzle each filled half lightly with basil oil, then top with a small spoonful of diced cherry tomatoes and diced mozzarella. Crown with a small basil leaf for visual contrast and freshness.
08 - Refrigerate the assembled halves for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors, then serve chilled as an appetizer.