Summer Bounty Tomato Salad
It's the most beautiful time of year for tomatoes. Every size and shape of these favorite savory fruits are glowing on the vine. We thought it would be fun to brainstorm some different recipes that showcase these lovelies!
Keeping It Simple
Some tomatoes are so beautiful they stand alone. At New Roots Market Garden in Marshall, this specialty cherry tomato mix is so gorgeous, we just want to gaze at them -- or pop them in our mouths as a snack! But we understand why you might want to plate them and eat them with a fork. Civilized.
A light olive oil dressing is the obvious way to start! Cut the tomatoes in half with a pairing knife and drizzle with a smooth, high quality olive oil. Add fresh black pepper and sea salt and give it a stir! A little lemon juice is a great complement to the fresh flavor of tomatoes. And that's all there is to it!
Tomatoes with Friends
Looking for a more substantial salad? Try adding cucumbers to the mix. If you're using cherry tomatoes, like these beauties from Whaley Farmstead in Black Mountain, choose a small cucumber that's comparable in size. Thinly sliced red onion is a great addition if you like a more piquant salad.
Salad as a Meal
In the summer, we love eating a cold salad as a meal. If you want to really get out there, try this combination:
- Fresh cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Fresh peaches, slightly underripe, cubed
- Avocado, cubed
- Smoked local trout
- Olive Oil
- A splash of your favorite vinegar or lemon juice -- not too much!
This salad is great because it's light but filling. The avocado and trout give you some protein and natural fats to keep you going. It's also a really fun and different salad that taste just like summer.
You could add some fresh salad mix or some summer corn for a different take.
