This year we’ve been trying our hand at growing a small vegetable garden, and in honor or Ouiser Boudreaux and southern girls everywhere, it most certainly includes tomatoes.  Right now, we’re getting tomatoes daily, which just begs the question, “What the heck do you do with them all?”

This recipe is one I mix up in the kitchen for a quick snack or dinner side, and was taught to me by friends and by observation.  Having grown up with a limited palate (yes, I was the kid whose food could not touch), I’ve enjoyed exploring what, to some, may have very well always been part of their realm of deliciousness.

Enjoy and let me know how you like your tomatoes!

The Recipe: Tomato Basil Salad

The Source: My Farmtastic Life

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh mozzarella, chopped into bite-sized chunks
• Fresh basil, torn into bits
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper

  

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients and enjoy immediately.

Farmtastic Notes:

• This is one of those recipes that doesn’t have exact measurements, which truth be told used to drive this slightly OCD farmgirl a bit nuts. However, the point is to just have fun.  Make a little or a lot, depending on how many you have to feed.  In general, one medium tomato per person.
• The key is to get a little taste of each yummy ingredient in each bite.  I like to chop things up somewhat small so I can make sure to savor the farm fresh glory of this salad.
• In general, I like to to use equal amounts of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  And don’t forget the salt and pepper.  The fresh mozzarella will soak up the juice and the spice.

I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe, so give it a try and share your thoughts.