The taste of summer

I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to summer and all of the delicious fresh veggies and fruits to be had this time of year. I can't wait to see those first tomatoes and green beans show up at the local farmer's market every year...it is, in my opinion, one of the best parts of summer!


It's not quite late enough in the season to start seeing those farmer's stalls full of veggies yet but I am still craving this delicious simple salsa...it's wonderful with ingredients straight from the grocery store, but when you start getting those farm fresh goodies it is complete heaven!! I'm not sure where this recipe originated, it was passed to me by my Mom and passed to her by some wonderful ladies at her church (thank you ladies!!) Whoever invented it needs a big hug!

Fresh salsa

~8 ripe roma tomatoes (you can use regular tomatoes but these seem to have more flesh/less seeds)

~1 whole sweet onion (I like to use vidalia's when they are available)

~1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I sometimes add MUCH more...love it!)

~2 tsp. salt (I've made it with and without this and honestly can't tell much difference so I usually leave it out)

~.5 tsp black pepper

~1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

~1 can white shoepeg corn (I almost always use regular white corn in it's stead)

~1 green bell pepper

~1 red or yellow bell pepper

~2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

~3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar


Chop all veggies into a small dice (or if you like it chunkier to whatever size you like!) Add all other ingredients and mix well. This salsa tastes best when it's had time to mingle and share flavors in the fridge for a few hours or even a whole day.

We use this salsa on everything....tacos, burritos, with tortilla chips. I can imagine a thousand other ways to serve it and the best part is that it's so full of colorful, fresh veggies I don't have to feel guilty doing it! I plan on keeping a batch of this in the fridge at all times...and a cup of it in our pool cooler too! What a delicious, fresh snack while you are at the pool!

Do you have a great, go-to recipe that you just can't wait to make in the summer? Let's hear it!