Garden Fresh Salads to Rave Over

There is nothing more satisfying than the taste of fresh from the garden vegetables accept maybe a some favorite, easy recipes to showcase those wonderful flavors that you've worked so hard to enjoy.

These are a couple of quick relish salad type recipes that me and mine developed out of our garden and have enjoyed. They can be served sun warm out of the garden or chilled for a refreshing boost on a hot day. We hope you enjoy their flexibility and ease as much as we do!

We used sesame oil in these for hint of Asian flavor, but consider grapeseed oil for a less distinct niche flavor.

Tomato Relish

Great over fish (we created this to serve over grilled halibut) or served as a fresh salad.

6 Ripe Roma Tomatoes, Diced (add more if you wish larger or more servings)
2-3 T. Honey
1 t. fresh Jalapeno, finely diced
1 t. fresh ginger root, finely diced
1 green onion, finely diced
Soy Sauce (no more than 3 T. depending on how many tomatoes)
Rice Vinegar, no more than 3 T. depending on how many tomatoes)
drizzle of Sesame oil

Optional items:
1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
1 whole cucumber, diced (optional)
1 avocado, diced (optional)

Mix ingredients together. All ingredients can be adjusted to taste and/or quantity. If doubling, increase amounts of liquids in small increments as to not add to much liquid.

Serve: Room temperature over grilled fish or chicken

Serve: Chilled or at temperature as a side dish

Serve: Chilled or at temperature as a pot luck salad

Fresh Lemon Cucumber Salad

This is a wonderfully refreshing treat served as a salad or a refresher course. The taste is exquisite.

4 lemon cucumbers, peeled and diced (or 2 regular cukes)
a drizzle of sesame oil
1 T honey
2 T Rice Vinegar
1 T shallot, finely chopped
3 T finely diced sweet onion (Vidalia or similar)
sprinkle of sesame seeds

Optional:

Fresh Roma Tomatoes, diced, add to taste. You can make this recipe half and half of each cukes and tomatoes or balance it more to one or the other based on your tastes or dishes you're serving.

Fresh chopped Basil or other herb of choice

Mix ingredients together and serve as a side, salad or refresher. Makes 2 servings

Serve: Chilled or at temperature as a side, salad course or refresher course