Mediterranean diet 

If you've been eating the Mediterranean diet for any amount of time, you know that tomatoes are an essential ingredient that we use on in many ways. And during the hot months, when I can land those extra fragrant, plump, juicy tomatoes, I just can't help but use them raw in something summery like this fresh tomato salad recipe! We are in the middle of summer and we need to eat light foods, especially seasonal vegetables and fruit, but still tasty and healthy foods. In July I gave you some advice on some dishes to prepare for summer lunches, where salads were queens.

Today I talk about a salad with an ingredient that in this season is almost a classic, even if it is an annual plant: the tomato. I advise you to use cherry tomatoes: do you know those small and round tomatoes? They are a variety of Pachino tomatoes, which have become an I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) product for several years. They are very tasty, have a low calorie content, are fresh and promote diuresis. Or, alternatively, grape tomatoes: they are oval tomatoes, tasty and also low in calories. They also contain vitamins and minerals.

The ingredients for your salad

Cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half

10 basil leaves to be cut or chopped

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

As I mentioned, you need to cut the cherry tomatoes in half, then put them in a salad bowl, adding basil. Separately, mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pepper and salt in a bowl. Then pour the seasoning obtained into the salad bowl. You can serve the salad at room temperature. What you will have prepared is a simple dish, with common ingredients, but with a really strong flavor. A refreshing and satiating dish to be consumed both for lunch and dinner in these days of sultry. I wish you buon appetito and... Let me know if you enjoyed this salad!