Fresh tomato salad recipe

July 6, 12:18 PMJackson Food ExaminerEmily Burgess

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What a glorious time of year for the tomato enthusiast! There was a time not too very long ago that if you wanted a fresh home grown tomato you had to grow it yourself or have a relative that still had a real garden in their backyard.

Not the case anymore as the grocery stores are actually stocking some very good tomatoes. You can even find heirloom tomatoes this year at the local stores and the quality has been exceptional. The heirloom tomato will come in all shapes and sizes and will have a firm texture to the flesh and the skin can be striped or spotted in hues of deep purple to brown blending into reds and yellows. Look for tomatoes that are compact in texture and should not have any bruises or splits in the skin as well. The interior of the tomato should never be mealy and if it is you know you have a fruit that was grown in a hot house which generally results in lackluster, flavorless taste. Other succulent varieties include Better Boy, Big Boy, Roma, Beefsteak and Brandywine to name a few good Southern varieties but the list is practically endless.

When preparing tomatoes for recipes using uncooked tomatoes you may peel them or not depending on your personal preference. To peel a tomato simply dip it in boiling water for a couple of seconds and the skin will slip right off. You can also run the backside of a knife across the skin applying a bit of pressure and then peel it easily with a sharp knife. Use as many varieties and colors when making this fresh tomato salad for a dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Enjoy!

Fresh Tomato Salad

• 2 pounds assorted tomatoes of all sizes and colors
• 1 chopped cucumber
• 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Shallot and Garlic Vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallots
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped capers
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon good-quality mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Fresh parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients except parmesan with a whisk or blender until combined.
Toss vinaigrette with tomatoes and spoon onto salad plates. Top with cucumber slices and fresh basil. Shave parmesan on top and serve.