There is something about islands that speak to all kinds of commonalities; whether it is the Virgin Islands or the Grecian islands. Any place that is showered in the sunshine will have foods that reflect that brilliant synergy of sun, earth, and water. This simple tomato and feta salad, is not a Crucian dish, but to me it symbolizes much of the “sun” foods that grow easily on our island by many of our local farmers. Cherry tomatoes, culantro, basil, all lend a hand in this promising, beat-the-heat dish.

The ease of putting this salad together promises to let you not have to turn on the stove or oven on very warm days. Its citrus coolness can only be described as refreshing. Since tomatoes are the true star of this dish, make sure to get the very best ones available. I usually find them at our local Farmers Markets here on the island. Beautiful fruit gems! Yes, tomatoes are a fruit!

Ingredients:

1 Pound of Cherry Tomatoes

1 Medium Red Onion Sliced

1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper (Or more to taste)

1/4 Teaspoon of Salt (Or more to taste)

1 Lemon Juiced

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Kalamata Olives (to taste)

2 Tablespoons of chopped cilantro or 2 stalks of fresh culantro

3 Ounces of a Feta Cheese block (in the brine not crumbled)

3 Fresh Basil Leaves

Directions:

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place in a large bowl.

If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, any good tasting tomato will do. Heirloom tomatoes are also exceptionally tasty and flavorful!

Add the onions, cilantro, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.

If you don’t like the taste of cilantro, the salad would be just as tasty with some chopped parsley. I prefer the Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, but any amount of fresh parsley will do.

Crumble the feta cheese block and also add to the mixture. You could add about a tablespoon of the brine from the feta cheese.

Toss in the Kalamata Olives.

Wrap the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors marry!

You can serve this over a bed of baby spinach or other tender salad leaves, and you have a great side salad! Or simply eat it on its delicious own!

Enjoy!!