and another thing about tomatoes.
Fried green tomatoes were a kick-off of sorts. A kick-off to tomato filled summer plates, and after the fried green tomato sandwich, I am completely prepared.
Tomatoes are a grown-up love for me that started only after I fell in love with a man who has quite an affinity (this is another good reason why he waltzed into my life) for the tender tomato. My best memory of tomatoes from childhood is the fresh-grown tomato smell when mom grew them in the back yard. As lovely as that memory is, I never cared for them much. I found them too acidic or too something. All of that is changing. The tangy juice dripping from the edges of a perfect bite is exactly what I crave.
My friend, Emily, says that she could almost live on sweet, ready to be loved, cherry tomatoes in the summertime, and after this salad; I am starting to agree with her.
The fresh bite of a sweet tomato coated in creamy feta and tangy mustard has been on our breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates. Yes, I have made this salad three times this week, and each time is as deliciously exciting as the first.
Alongside fried eggs and biscuits, with a prosciutto sandwich, over pasta, or on its own, this is one salad that will win bellies and minds wherever you place it. Quick and simple to toss together, this would be great doubled or tripled for a picnic.
Tomato Feta Salad with Basil and Mustard Dressing serves 2-3 as a side
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half top to bottom
1/4 cup crumbled feta
3 tablespoons thinly sliced basilDressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grainy mustard or good quality Dijon
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
few good cracks black pepper1. Toss sliced tomatoes and feta together in bowl
2. Stir dressing together until combined
3. Toss tomatoes and feta with dressing. Toss in basil. enjoy!
Oh. My. Gosh. It's taking all of my restraint not to leave work at this! very! minute! and go home and make this salad pronto! I'm pretty sure I could definitely live on this!
Posted by: Emily | May 06, 2008 at 08:58 AM
emily-
sorry to be so entirely tempting, but what can I say... it is simply perfect.
Posted by: L*Joy | May 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
It is simply perfect. I have made it. I have eaten it. I fear I may never get enough of this salad.
Thanks for making a salad about me. Hahahahahaha. Since you made me my new favorite salad, I'll leave you with this parting wisdom:
No one has ever seen their ears.
Posted by: Emily | May 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM