Garlicky tomato salad

Tomatoes are not only delicious, but they also offer a multitude of health benefits. They are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, K, potassium and folate. Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a plant compound associated with red-colored fruits and vegetables, which has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

During the summer months, there are so many varieties of tomatoes that are in season, including cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes. When they're in season, you can take advantage of their peak flavor, nutrition and lower cost.

We love this salad recipe because it features tomatoes, has an easy homemade dressing, adds fresh herbs as an ingredient and pumpkin and sesame seeds as delicious and nutritious toppers. Enjoy!

Garlicky tomato salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large head butter lettuce, large leaves torn into smaller pieces
• 4 small roma tomatoes (or 2 large), sliced,
• 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 clove large garlic, very finely chopped
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 16 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds

Instructions:

• Place a layer of lettuce leaves on a serving platter or on four plates and arrange the sliced tomatoes. Place the cherry tomatoes on top.
• Whisk together the garlic, vinegar, mustard, oil, salt and pepper and pour over the tomatoes.
• Scatter the basil leaves and the pumpkin and sunflower seeds over the tomatoes and serve at once.

Recipe adapted from diabetesfoodhub.org.

Next steps:

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