Summer Garden Salad

Dear Readers,

One of the highlights of the summer is growing our own vegetables and herbs. It is very rewarding when we see our "little treasures" growing and we are able to pick them to prepare a nutritional seasonal meal. Many vegetables and herbs such as basil and tomatoes tend to grow in great abundance so I came up with a really easy summer garden salad that you can make with your garden treats.


Ingredients:

1 lb string beans (halved)
5 tomatoes on the vine (sliced)
1 large cucumber (sliced)
1 cup fresh basil ( sliced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
(you can adjust the vinegar/oil ration depending on how tart you like your dressing)

Directions:
1- Wash all your vegetables, pat dry, and cut accordingly.
2- Place your string beans in a steamer and cook for 5 mins. Cool
3- In a large bowl place all of your vegetables and herbs along with the oil, vinegar, garlic, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix so that all the vegetables are lightly coated with all ingredients. Serve either cool or at room temperature.