Summer Heirloom Tomato and Fruit Salad

When it comes to summer foods, simple salads and summer produce dishes are often the option of choice for cookouts, picnics and delicious meal options.  With the summer markets and gardens offering a bounty this time of the year, it’s pretty easy to find salad options.  When it comes to this simple dish, I invite you to get creative with different flavors and textures.

This recipe can be created as written or you can choose to opt out ingredients for others.  With summer slowing down, I am finding an abundance of fresh produce that needs to be used or canned.  Therefore I loaded this goodie up with things I had from the market and garden.  Fresh herbs can be altered and include basil, mint or dill. Not only do herbs provide an additional flavor and garnish but they also help with detoxification.

Heirloom tomatoes are one of my favorites to grow in the garden.  Though I do love all fresh off the vine tomatoes, I’ve really grown to love the heirloom variety.  This year in the garden, I am growing black prince, green zebra and persimmons (which have been called a tree fruit).  These tomatoes have an added health benefit in that they contain lycopene.  One of the most powerful natural antioxidants.  These tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to nourish different parts of the body and has been linked to stress reduction.

Watermelons are another staple often found in the garden and at markets during the summer season.  This juicy and tasty fruit helps to keep us hydrated during the hot summer months.  Watermelon has been linked to reduced inflammation, heart health and weight loss.

The combination of these two beauties are not only gorgeous but also healthy and delicious.  I often top my dishes with goat or sheet cheese, which is easier on the digestion at times.  You can play with different dressing ideas like oil and fresh squeeze lemon, balsamic glaze or dressing or you can make your own like the simple recipe below.  You can add additional toppings like avocado, nuts and seeds too!

Have fun with summer produce this season.  There are so many fun and delicious combinations to experiment with.

Summer Heirloom Tomato and fruit Salad

 

ingredients:
  • 4 heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite sized pieces
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 2 peaches, nectarines or plums (you can add all if you like)
  • 2 ounces of goat cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • small handful of mint leaves
  • small handful of Microgreens https://www.marylandmicrogreens.com
  • Optional: Bed of arugula or spinach 
dressing:

To Prepare the Salad:

1. In a bowl or serving platter, place greens as a base.
2. Mix the microgreens (if using) with the salad greens or reserve for topping
3. Top the greens  with tomatoes, fruit and then goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle nuts, if using and serve with dressing.

Dressing Directions:

In a mason jar with lid or mixing bowl, mix oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste.  Depending on the desired sweetness.  Add the honey for desired texture and taste.  If using, finish with salt and pepper.  Shake or stir to combine ingredients before serving with the salad.

ENJOY! ?

P.S. if this salad sounds appealing to your palate, I welcome you to check out this summer beet salad. Summer Peachy Beet Salad

XOXO,

KIM

 

Summer Peachy Beet Salad

Summer is in full swing and so are the local farmers markets.  With so many people starting their own gardens this year and supporting local, we are enjoying a delicious bounty of local fresh produce.  Each week I’ve been sharing (through Facebook) the goodies I’ve been growing and buying and the different ways to prep them.

Today for Farmers Market Friday, I am spotlighting two of my farm fresh favorites- beets and peaches.  Not only are they delicious and display a gorgeous array of color, they pack many health benefits too.

Beets are a powerhouse of health and provide tons of nutritional value.  They help keep blood pressure in check, help to reduce inflammation, provide digestive support and they help to support brain health.  Beets also help support the liver, which is a vital part of our natural detoxification process.  Something we need for better health and immune support.  They’ve also been linked to weight loss and improved athletic performance.

Peaches are a juicy and tasty summer fruit that is packed with antioxidants and nutrients.  It’s been shown to improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce allergies and protect skin.  Something we especially need to be mindful of when we are outside during the summer months.  They are also hydrating.  Which we definitely need during the hot summertime.

This recipe is so flexible and you can play around with a variety of toppings such as dressings, cheeses, nuts and berries.

 

Summer Peachy Beet Salad

Ingredients:

2 Peaches, sliced into bite size pieces http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Arugula or Mixed Greens of Choice
2 Beets, cut into bite size squares http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Goat Cheese (regular or cranberry and tarragon)
Sliced nuts (almonds, walnuts and pine nuts are a great option)

Optional: Red Radish Microgreens  https://www.marylandmicrogreens.com

To Prepare the Beets:

Preheat oven to 425 degree

Toss beets in 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice.
Roast in a cast iron or oven safe pan for 30 minutes. Stirring throughout the cooking process.
Beets will have a golden color and be done when a fork or knife can be pinched through them.

 

To Prepare the Salad:
1. In a bowl or serving platter, place greens as a base.
2. Mix the microgreens (if using) with the salad greens.
3. Top the greens  with beets, peaches and then goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle nuts, if using and serve with dressing.

White Balsamic Dressing:

½ cup  Infused Olive Oil or Oil of Choice https://oliveandbasket.com

¼ cup White Balsamic Vinegar https://oliveandbasket.com

1 Tbsp raw honey

Optional: Salt and Pepper to taste

Dressing Directions:

In a mason jar with lid or mixing bowl, mix oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste.  Depending on the desired sweetness.  Add the honey for desired texture and taste.  If using, finish with salt and pepper.  Shake or stir to combine ingredients before serving with the salad.

Enjoy! ?

XOXO,

Kim