Summer Tomato Salad (with Basil and Balsamic) 

Summer Tomato Salad (serves 6)
Ingredients:
4-6 vine ripened tomatoes (I use Early Girl tomatoes)
20-30 sweet cherry tomatoes (I use Sun Sweet Yellow Cherry tomatoes)
6-8 large basil leaves
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. fresh, ground pepper
1-2 tbsp. olive oil
1-2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Directions:
1. Cut vine ripened tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and put in bowl.
2. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and add to bowl.
3. Stack basil leaves on top of one another. Roll, cut in half lengthwise, and chop. Add to bowl.
4. Lightly stir tomatoes and basil to combine.
5. Add ¼ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. fresh, ground pepper, 1-2 tbsp. good olive oil, and 1-2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar of choice.
6. Mix together to combine.
7. Serve in individual dishes and garnish with additional pepper or balsamic, to taste.
13. Enjoy!
• Chef’s note: For other variations, try adding: finely sliced red onion, fresh, grated parmesan cheese (to taste), chopped parsley or tarragon, grilled/sauteed zucchini slices, or diced cucumber.