Tomato Feta Salad - Summer in a Bowl!

Does this bowl of deliciousness not just make you want to put on a pair of shorts and go outside to enjoy the sunshine?  Sorry, that is what I imagine when I look at this bowl of plump Cherry Tomatoes, large chunks of Feta Cheese, fresh Parsley and Basil.  

Right now everyone is longing for spring and evidence of that is that everywhere you turn people are complaining about the cold temperatures, lack of sunlight and dreariness that seems to be lingering on and on and on.  It happens every year like clockwork but if you want to taste summer in a bowl, I have the perfect salad for you that has very basic ingredients and you probably have most of them in your refrigerator - except the Feta Cheese.

Would it be crazy for me to say that I love this salad almost as much as I love potatoes?  Yes, it's good but I"m not sure I'm prepared to say that I love it more than potatoes.  I'm almost there so that tells you how delicious it is.

Here is how you build this beautiful salad!

Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water.

Cut them each in half and place in a bowl.

Cut the block of Feta Cheese into small cubes like this and

place in the bowl with the tomato halves.

Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh Basil Leaves and add to the bowl.  DO NOT use dry Basil as this is all wrong and it will not taste the same as fresh Basil.  If you do, I do not guarantee the deliciousness of this recipe.

Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh Parsley and add it to the bowl.  Again, DO NOT use dry Parsley as this will ruin the recipe.

 Add the 1/4 cup of Olive Oil.

Add 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt and and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper.  If your Feta is super salty, eliminate the Kosher Salt.

Gently toss all ingredients in the bowl to coat everything well.  I like to serve this at room temperature as the tomatoes just have a better consistency when they have not been chilled. That's just my opinion though.  It really does do something to this particular recipe so try to just leave it out.  If you have leftovers, and I doubt you will, you can put them in the refrigerator.  Just try to pull it out a few minutes before serving.

Tomato Feta Salad 

3 pints Cherry Tomatoes
3/4 pound Feta Cheese
1/4 C Olive Oil
1/2 t Kosher Salt
1/2 t freshly ground Black Pepper
2 T chopped fresh Basil Leaves
2 T chopped fresh Parsley

Cut the Cherry Tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Dice the Feta in 1/4 inch dice, crumbling it as little as possible. Add the Feta to the Tomatoes and then add the Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Basil and Parsley. Toss carefully and salt to taste, depending on the saltiness of the Feta. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Serves 8.