August is here and what does the garden look like?

Walk through the farmer’s market in your neighborhood and find the boxes of tomatoes where each crimson or golden-colored little jewel is ready to burst in a summer salad.

The tomatoes can help make a simple vinaigrette even easier.

Let them do the work. It’s true of all tomatoes.

Sprinkling them with salt draws out their natural juices.

Cut any tomato, sprinkle with salt, add extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. Soon the juices from the tomato are released and mix with the other ingredients to create a light vinaigrette for your salad. Add basil leaves and a soft cheese like a fresh, milky mozzarella with the large beefsteak tomatoes or toss the petite cherry tomatoes with fresh greens.

So simple and delicious.