Tomato Salad With Lemon and Basil

A super simple and quick salad for summer. It is perfect to take on a picnic, as it does not need refrigeration and goes with just about any main course. Use this recipe as a springboard, so to speak, and feel free to add mild onions or fresh mozzarella. We had it tonight as a side dish with a cheeseburger and it was perfect. Prep time includes 10 minutes of marinating time. NOTE: Make sure you use a full-flavored olive oil and let the prepared salad sit at room temp for at least 10 minutes, otherwise it won't turn out quite as yummy!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 1  pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  lemon, juice of
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 2  tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
•  fresh basil (to garnish)

Directions

1. Bring tomatoes to room temperature.
2. Toss all ingredients and allow to sit 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
3. Plate up the salads and garnish with a basil leaf or two and fresh ground black pepper if you like.