Tomato Time!

This just might be my favorite time of year. Farmer’s markets all over are emerging from their enclosed, indoor spaces to larger, outdoor lots and the colors and smells of all the seasonal fruits and veggies are bursting!

I love going to farmer’s markets in the summer. They make me feel like I’ve taken a step back in time to some picturesque French market I’ve just happened upon during my scenic bike ride that’s filled with hard to find delicacies and aromatic treats that make you feel like you’ve cheated on your diet just by smelling them. (I’ll blame that storybook moment on the French Women Don’t Get Fat book. It’s permeating my brain.)

The return of summer farmer’s markets signal also the return of my favorite summer staple, the tomato and mozzarella salad. While this salad can be had at any time of the year, a true tomato connoisseur knows that there is nothing like a ripe, red, juicy summer tomato, no matter how generously genetically enhanced they may come in the wintertime.

This salad is so easy to put together that you may end up having it every night, seriously. Indulge yourself with the ripest tomatoes, the creamiest mozzarella, and the freshest basil you can find at your local farmer’s market and I promise, this summer salad will also become one of your favorites. And who knows, you too may also imagine yourself happening upon a French market during your own scenic bike ride… yada, yada, yada.

Tomato and Mozzarella Summer Salad

4 red, ripe and juicy tomatoes, roughly chopped

1/2 lb fresh mozzarella (in a whole piece or small balls)

Handful of fresh basil, chopped

1 small red onion, julienned

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar (enough to coat everything, plus a little extra to dip bread into – so good)

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and add the oil and vinegar. Stir and serve, it’s that easy.