Because of my present eye problems, I did an online grocery shop at the end of last week. I just didn't feel like pushing a grocery cart through a shop with all the poor lighting etc. I don't mind shopping online . . . but this time most of my fresh items arrived with short use by dates. That I DO mind. YES I am one of those annoying people who pick the produce etc. from the back of the row where it is fresher when I am shopping!
In any case I ended up with three pots of tomatoes that were due to expire within two days of my grocery order arriving. This meant if I wanted to use them at their optimum, I needed to use them pretty much right away.
I ended up creating a Tomato and White Bean Salad, which went down a real treat! Not only was it delicious, but it was very colourful also!
And it lasted a couple of days. The dressing has a nice punch . . . using fresh lemon juice, garlic and shallots . . . also basil and parsley, and olive oil . . . for a nice mix of flavours.
With it's fresh and punchy dressing, bright colours, meatiness from the beans and sweetness from the tomatoes this was a real winner. I served it with some grilled fish and it was fabulous.
*Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad*Serves 4Printable Recipe
A delicious and colourful salad that is filled with lots of flavours and textures.
3 TBS olive oil2 banana shallots, peeled and finely diced1 large clove of garlic, peeled and minced1 1/2 TBS fresh lemon juice1 tsp caster sugar1 TBS basil flakes1 tsp dry parsley flakesfine seasalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste1/2 pound each yellow and red cherry tomatoes, halved1 425g tin of white beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce)1 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley to garnish
Whisk the olive oil, diced shallots, crushed garlic, lemon juice, basil, parsley and seasoning together in a bowl. Tip in the beans and halved tomatoes. Toss to coat. Let stand for at least half an hour for flavours to infuse. Scatter with fresh parsley and serve.
