Tomato Cucumber Salad

The farmhouse in Barker, New York

Our dog Toby

Mom and Dad bought a farm in upstate New York in the town of Barker. Dad was the Superintendent of Schools there and Mom was a substitute teacher. She eventually went on and got her teaching degree while they lived there. Barker was a small farming town. The largest industry aside from the school was a vegetable/fruit packing plan. I used to visit with my kids over the summers. It never stopped Dad from assigning chores even after having the kids! I spent a couple of hours a day in their vegetable garden pulling weeds or hoeing. But at the end of the day, there was nothing that tasted better than fresh vegetables from their garden.

This is a simple salad that Dave always likes. I especially enjoy making this when I can get both red and yellow cherry or grape tomatoes. No only does it taste delicious but it looks fantastic!

Tomato Cucumber Salad:

Dad enjoying the pool!

1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes - washed, dried and halved (or
get a pint of both yellow and red and use half of each)
2 long English cucumbers or tender regular cucumbers
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1 cup pitted olives - halved (if small ones, no need to cut them)
1/4 cup feta cheese - crumbled
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
3 tbsp of a zesty Italian salad dressing
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a salad serving bowl add salad dressing, basil and red onion whisk for a few seconds. Taste for need of salt and pepper. Now add olives, cucumbers and tomatoes gently toss. Sprinkle on top with feta cheese.
Refrigerate covered for at least an hour before serving.