Cucumber, Tomato, Basil and Arugula Salad

The wait is over! As the temperatures rise across the US, local farm stands and back yard gardens are overflowing with beautiful ripe tomatoes. This time of year tomatoes play a prominent role in my daily meal preparation, even though this year our local guests, deer that is have been feasting on my tomato plants. Oh well thank goodness for the local farmers market and the fresh organic tomatoes. 

Fresh tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper cucumbers and the last of the fresh locally grown arugula make for a cool refreshing salad on a warm summer evening

Ingredients:
• 1 Medium tomato, cut into bite size pieces
• 1 medium cucumbers sliced into bite size pieces
• 1/2 bunch Arugula, Optional~ 
• ¼ cup fresh basil chopped

• 1 teaspoon of Balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of Olive oil
• Option for dressing: Your favorite bottled Italian dressing
• Rinse, dry and cut tomato into bite size chunks

• Peel the cucumber and slice into bite size pieces

-I alternate the peel leaving some of the peeling for color

• Rinse and dry the arugula, divide on four plates

• In a medium size bowl toss tomatoes, cucumber, basil, balsamic vinegar and olive oil (or Italian dressing), Place a spoonful over the arugula, dividing between the four plates

– Add more olive oil and vinegar to taste

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Great with grilled chicken, fish or shrimp, always your choice!

Just cook something! Cheers! Kary~