Tomato Garlic Mix (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - Half a teaspoon of kosher salt (or just add what you like)
02 - A couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh basil or parsley
03 - A tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic (either works)
04 - Two tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil
05 - One and a half pounds of tomatoes (any mix: cherry, grape, or heirloom), chopped into small bites
06 - One-fourth teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
07 - Two cloves garlic, finely chopped
08 - A pinch (about 1/4 tsp) of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Let everything chill together for 5 to 10 minutes. Scoop it up right away, or pop it in the fridge for even better flavor.
02 - Throw your chopped tomatoes, herbs, and maybe some red pepper flakes into your big bowl. Drizzle that dressing over the top. Gently mix it all up so each piece gets some love.
03 - Grab a small bowl. Add your olive oil, vinegar (whichever you picked), chopped garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you like things spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes now. Give it all a good whisk until blended.
04 - Rinse those tomatoes well. If they're cherry or grape, slice them in half. If they're big heirlooms, just cut them up into small chunks.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Grab the juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find, and let the salad sit a few minutes so everything soaks in.
02 - Mix up your dressing game—swap in balsamic, splash in lemon juice, or add a dab of Dijon for something different.
03 - Try tossing in some torn mozzarella, crumbled feta, crunchy nuts, or even croutons if you want more texture.
04 - Wait to mix the dressing and tomatoes til you're ready to dig in, so you don't end up with a soggy bowl.