Cherry Tomato Salad

This is one of those recipes that hardly needs a recipe at all, but this time the dressing came out so deliciously delicious that I have to share it.

I’ve been making some version of a Cherry Tomato Salad for years…sometimes adding chunks of blue cheese and walnuts; or black olives; sometimes balsamic vinegar; herbs other than basil; olive oil is a nice touch for binding all the ingredients together, but this time I kept it very simple.

I used Sherry Vinegar, which is why I think the dressing was so special. I love sherry vinegar.

To make this salad mix the cherry tomatoes, which you have halved, together with garlic; vinegar; lemon juice and some zest; lots of fresh basil, salt and pepper. Let it it sit for about a half half and serve. Voila! That’s it!! Also excellent the next day.

I am making this a quick post today as we are about to watch Super Bowl LX! Even though we have not lived in Boston for years, it’s hard to take the team out of our hearts. We spent many, many Sundays with Tom Brady for countless years and he will always be, for us, the G.O.A.T!

And, as a little aside, we just got back from a couple of days at Tucson’s oldest resort, Westward Look nestled on 80 acres in the Catalina Foothills. Built in 1912 as a private hacienda-style home, it has gone through several transformations–Accommodations for guests in the 20’s; Dude Ranch in the 40’s and finally today has evolved into a premier resort and spa.

From the ’20’s…

To today…

They have a wonderful restaurant, but we decided to venture out one evening to Sullivan’s Restaurant, located on River Road and only 15 minutes from our resort. I won’t give you a full review of our meal, but the 22 oz. Ribeye Cowboy steak I had was fantastic. Yes, there were leftovers! For dessert, I decided to try a Smoked Rosemary and Orange Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek Bourbon (my favorite and one of my brother, Skip’s favs, as well!); Orange Bitters; Charred Rosemary sprig and served in a smoking box. It was a fun way to end a perfect meal!

Click on the photos to enlarge.

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Light, refreshing simple tomato salad.

Ingredients

• 3 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tsp. Garlic, minced; about 2 cloves
• 1 Tbsp. Sherry vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp. Lemon zest, about 1/2 of the lemon depending on size of lemon
• 1/3 cup Fresh basil leaves, julienned
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt; more/less for taste, but don't skimp
• 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, mix together the tomatoes, garlic, sherry vinegar, lemon juice and zest, basil, salt and pepper.
• Let sit for at least 20 minutes before serving.