Zucchini and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

It’s time to pick those tomatoes, zucchini and sprigs of basil from your garden before the first frost. Here’s a nice salad that combines all these ingredients.

Ingredients:

3 small zucchini
3 ripe plum tomatoes, cored and diced
Half a small onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup finely diced red pepper
2 Tbs. finely minced fresh parsley
⅓ cup olive oil
⅓ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, mashed
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley to garnish

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, combine the oil, basil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.

Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and then into ¼-inch slices. Add the tomato, pepper and onion. Add the vinaigrette and toss well. Leave the salad at room temperature for at least an hour.

Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve slightly chilled.

Serves 4