Tomato Salad

This simple garden salad is easy enough for a beginner, but complex enough that it could be served at a high-end restaurant.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup olive oil
•  TBL red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 sprinkle garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp teaspoon salt
• a pinch of teaspoon black pepper
• 4 roma tomatoes, chunked
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chunked
• 1-2 scallions (green onions), sliced
• several sprigs chopped fresh basil

STEP BY STEP

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
2. Whisk well
3. Add remaining ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

NOTES

• Tomatoes are at their tastiest when eaten at room temperature.
• If you’re assembling this salad in advance and refrigerating, just let it sit out on the counter for 30 minutes or so before serving.
• Serve with French bread. Sop up oil from the bottom of the bowl.