Growing up as a child, I loved picking farm fresh, ripe tomatoes right off of the vine.  I didn’t care if they were washed or not.  I would bite into them and enjoy the sweet, juicy and oh-so-fresh taste!  I wouldn’t need any salt or pepper.  Just a sweet, juicy and ripe tomato.

Even as an adult, I still enjoy those simple pleasures and load up every time I see them at the farmers market.  I love checking out and learning about the different kinds.  If you see one that looks unfamiliar to you, I encourage you to check it out.  There are so many wonderful varieties.

Even though I love all kinds, I use roma tomatoes with a lot of my dishes.  This one in particular pairs well with roma tomatoes.  They have less seeds and are not as soft, so they prepare well and combine the flavors and textures nicely.  Throw in a little olive oil, seasoning, some feta, fresh basil, and you have a spectacular dish.

I love taking this dish to events, picnics, parties and get together’s.  I love making it at home as well.  It’s delicious with some healthy pita chips or veggies while relaxing on the deck with a chilled glass of vino.  With the holiday approaching, this dish would make a lovely appetizer at your event or picnic.  I also add it to my chicken dishes and zoodle recipes.  It’s always a crowd pleaser.

 

FARM FRESH TOMATO, BASIL AND FETA SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

10 Fresh Roma Tomatoes (chopped)

1 container of feta (I love the Mediterranean feta from Wegmans)

Small handfull of fresh basil

3 Tablespoons of dry Italian Seasoning (or half of a seasoning pack if desired)

Organic extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Wash and dice all of your tomatoes.  Mix them in a bowl with the feta cheese.  Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over your ingredients.  Combine and mix in the seasoning.  Lay your ingredients out on your serving tray.  Sprinkle a small amount of seasoning on top.  This may be more than the three tablespoons.

*I recommend you taste as you go and adjust accordingly.  This is a very simple dish, but some prefer more of less of the seasoning, oil and feta.

*The same goes for your fresh basil.  I love basil, so I chop up a small amount and sprinkle the dish with this fresh herb.  It’s just as delicious without, so don’t worry if you don’t have it or don’t love it.  I do love to garnish the ends of my dish and create a farm fresh display (as shown above).

Chill to combine flavors before serving.  I recommend a chill time of one to two hours, but it’s not necessary.

Serve alone, with veggies or organic pita chips.  ENJOY!

IF YOU MAKE THIS YUMMY DISH, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS OR ALTERATIONS.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE in the comments section BELOW.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday week!

XO,

KIM