Tomato Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Olives

This is one of my favorite ways to highlight the intense flavor of summer tomatoes, which carry the flavor of the sun. Slice tomatoes, preferably right from the garden or the Farmer's Market and arrange around a large shallow serving dish.. Add sliced cucumbers to the mix, if desired (or they are fast piling up in your garden and you need to use them--or you have kids who will eat cukes, but not much else in the way of vegetables--or they were in your CSA box, which is what happened to me). Chiffon a handful of basil and spread over the top. Add some olives and feta to the top for a Greek salad style, and top with a small amount of vinegar (I used a fruit vinegar here), olive oil, salt and pepper.
I eat a salad like this several times a week once tomatoes start coming in strong, which is what happened starting this week in my home town. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer--and it is filling, easy to prepare, and doesn't require turning on the oven.