I am a third generation American and proud of it, but my roots are from Italian soil. Every year when mid-summer arrives and the first tomatoes ripen on the vine it heralds the beginning of another tomato salad season. I love tomato salad because it celebrates the vibrant colors of the vegetables growing in the garden.

The following recipe I learned from both my aunt and grandmother. It uses a variety of vegetables and herbs from the garden and is best eaten after allowing it to sit for and hour or two to absorb all the different flavors. The vegetables I use in my salad are tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, jalapeno and red onion. The fresh herbs I use are Italian parsley, sweet basil, garlic and oregano.

It is important to have chunks of fresh baked French or other hearth type breads to sop up all of the juices from the salad.

Step one – Cut up all vegetables and garlic.

Step 2 – Chop herbs

Step 3 – Place vegetables, garlic, onion and herbs in a bowl and season with salt and Pepper and 1/2 cup of olive oil.

Step 4- Stir oil, vegetables, herbs and seasoning until mixed thoroughly.

Step 5 – Garnish with a Jalapeno for those who want a little more heat.

Don’t forget to have some good hearth bread on the table and be ready to fight for the juices of the salad.

Good luck and enjoy!