Tuesday 15 June 2010

A simple summer salad

I love eating salads in the summertime! It makes me feel like I'm at a picnic. The weather here in Ireland is definitely cooperating this summer and we've had some warm (to us!) days. The other week I had lunch with a friend at a vegetarian cafe in Greystones and had a delicious tomato salad. *This is where my mother faints.*

Yes, I said delicious tomato salad.

I grew up absolutely hating raw tomatoes and ketchup, but my taste buds are changing and tomatoes are one of those things that I'm starting to eat. I'm still very picky about which tomatoes I will eat, so definitely not on a sandwich and no ketchup! I think I'm someone who eats with my eyes and this salad really did it for me. The different colors in the salad made my mouth water. The original salad had black olives in it, but I think they're disgusting, so I left them out!

Heirloom Tomato Salad (Measurements are approximations. Adjust appropriately for your tastes!)

500g heirloom tomatoes, in a variety of colors
50g feta cheese, crumbled
10-15 basil leaves, washed
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Slice the tomatoes into large chunks and place in a medium non-metal bowl. Crumble the feta cheese over top. Wash the basil leaves and add them to the salad, tearing the larger leaves. Salt and pepper to taste (I was liberal with the black pepper as usual). Coat with a large glug (or two) of extra virgin olive oil. Stir until everything is coated.

Makes 3 generous side servings.


Enjoy!