Simple Tomato Salad

Serves 1

A juicy, fresh salad that celebrates the
natural flavors of the tomato

Here is delicious snack that tastes as fresh as the garden. This simple tomato salad is the perfect pre-dinner snack to calm any growling stomach. I love the “meatiness” and juiciness of fresh tomatoes. A drizzle of good olive oil and chopped basil leaves on top just enhances the natural flavors of the tomato. If you want a little more zip to your salad, add a few teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. The combination of a few simple but fresh ingredients makes this salad so tasty!

Ingredients

1 large tomato
4 large fresh basil leaves or 12 small ones
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

On a cutting board and with a sharp knife (a serrated knife works best), cut the tomato into 8 wedges. Transfer the tomato wedges onto a serving plate or bowl.

Roughly chop the basil leaves and sprinkle on top of the wedges. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes, and season with the salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Healthy Benefits
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which helps to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancers. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (chiefly due to the compound eugenol). Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest out of all the olive oils because it is the least processed. It also helps to reduce your risk for heart disease by lowering the level of LDL (the bad kind of) cholesterol in your blood.

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