Recipe: Lush Tomato Salad (using cherry tomatoes, onion, capers, and fresh herbs)

LUSH TOMATO SALAD

1 1/2 pounds not-too-ripe cherry tomatoes, stemmed and cut in half
3 pounds large not-too-ripe tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
1 small onion (4 ounces), sliced paper thin
1/2 cup top-quality capers, preferably preserved in salt
1/2 cup gently packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 cups gently packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Combine tomatoes, onion and capers in a large salad bowl.

Mince parsley. Tear basil leaves into small pieces (if using basil with tiny leaves, use whole). Sprinkle herbs over tomato mixture. Drizzle with oil; toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Toss again and serve.

Servings: 8-10
Source: Italian Farmhouse Cookbook by Susan Herrmann Loomis