The Perfect Summer Salad

Is there any other salad that so perfectly represents the arrival of Summer?

I adore gorgeous, vine ripened tomatoes, sliced into bite-sized wedges, tossed ever so gently in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, slivers of tangy red onion, sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Then arranged simply on a beautiful plate and kissed with lots of fresh basil ( essential!) and drizzled with more olive oil.

Easy. Sublime.

For the sake of quality and pleasure, don't bother with anemic, bland tomatoes. The point of this salad will be missed entirely, trust me. If healthy, colorful heirloom tomatoes are available, choose them. Tomatoes must be juicy, un-blemished and of a medium size.

Use as little or as much red onion as you like. A generous amount of sliced shallots will work well here too, but I love the dazzle of deep color offered by a red onion.

In such a simple dish, the best ingredients are essential.

A glass of dry white wine, a loaf of crusty French bread and intriguing company are optional.

Bon Appetit!

 1w