Have tomatoes? You have lunch!

Today I thought I’d share my favorite quick and easy lunch ideas that use fresh tomatoes!  So, if your tomato plants are bursting with tomatoes, here are some delicious and simple ways to enjoy them:

Lunch #1:

Caprese Salad – don’t order these at fancy restaurants – the tomatoes won’t be fresh and you’ll pay twice what it will cost you to make a tastier version at home!

1 tomato

a few slices fresh mozzarella

a few basil leaves

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper

Assemble:  slice tomato and layer on a plate with mozzarella.  Tear basil leaves and sprinkle on top then drizzle with olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper.

Lunch #2:

Veggie & Cheese Plate – these tomato bites would also be an excellent appetizer!

cucumber

2 cups spinach

1 clove garlic

tomato

extra sharp cheddar cheese

extra virgin olive oil

sea salt

freshly cracked black pepper

balsamic vinegar (optional)

Assemble:  Saute the garlic and spinach in olive oil; season with salt & pepper.  Slice cucumber and sprinkle salt on top.  Slice tomato and top each slice with a piece of cheese.  Sprinkle with salt & pepper and balsamic vinegar if desired.

Lunch #3 –  Tomato & Avocado Salad – for a change of pace, serve this as a side dish with a grilled steak or hamburgers instead of guacamole.

1 tomato

1 avocado

few slices red onion

extra virgin olive oil

cumin

1/2 a lime

sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper

Assemble:  Slice tomato and avocado.  Toss with onion, olive oil, and juice from 1/2 lime.  Sprinkle with cumin, sea salt and pepper.  Very pretty and filling!

How do you enjoy tomatoes for a quick lunch or dinner?  Share your best ideas in the comments – I’d love some new ones for myself!