Looking for something to do with all of those tomatoes from the garden? This recipe is just the thing!
Both my father and grandfather in-law have gardens that they have been cultivating year and year for as long as my husband can remember. Though the gardens have gotten smaller as the years have gone by, they are still both going strong. It’s wonderful to be able to benefit from home grown food without having the time or space to be able to do it myself (I’ll stick to my herb garden for now). But since they both have healthy gardens and a small family, we all get an abundant amount of tomatoes come harvest time. It’s wonderful but this year I found myself trying to figure out an easy, tasty way to consume these delicious red veggies so I decided to make a simple, easy salad that highlighted the nutrition and taste of home grown goodness. I am also a lover of vinegar so I had to be sure to add that in and the result was a great salad that we love!
WHY you should give it a try:
Tomatoes
- Tomatoes are probably most known for being great for your heart, this fact is true due in large part to lycopene. It is a popular antioxidant that it great for eliminating any cancer causing free radicals in the body.
- Lycopene is also helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that a regular consumption of tomatoes can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
- One tomato provides almost half of the daily recommendation for Vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant.
Onions
- Fun fact: Due to it’s antibacterial compounds, chewing raw onion 2-3 minutes can rid your lips, mouth and throat of germs.
- The phytochemical presence within onions boost the efficacy of vitamin C in your body. In other words, it super charges your immune system against toxins that can lead to disease and illness.
- Onions contain chromium, a mineral that is not normally found naturally in foods, which helps slow the release of glucose to the muscles and body cells which is very important, especially for diabetic patients.
- There is a significant amount of quercetin found in onions which is a very powerful antioxidant compound known for reducing the spreading of cancer.
WHERE to get the goods:
- Tomatoes, onions and cilantro are available year round at your local market.
- Peak season for tomatoes is summertime which is a great chance to check out your local farmers market to see what else they have in store!
HOW to enjoy it:
- This dish is great as a side for grilled fish or meat.
- You can also eat atop quinoa for a warmer variation or on a salad for a cool refreshing dish during warm summer days.
- It’s great to make ahead for a family gathering or as a meal prep item for the week!
My marinated tomato salad is perfect to make ahead and lasts a few days in the fridge making it easy to throw together a big batch and enjoy it all week.
Thanks for stopping by!
Em
- 5-6 medium tomatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix tomatoes and onions in bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, both vinegars and cilantro.
- Pour over tomato mixture, stir well and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!