FrenchGardenHouse Country Summer Salad

My father in law had the most glorious vegetable garden in Europe. Each time we visited in the summer, we were treated to the most delicious fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s in his memory that I made this delicious FrenchGardenHouse Country Summer Salad using fresh tomatoes, onions, and cucumber.

 

 

My father in law had a beautiful flower garden behind his house, but he really favored his vegetable plot. Daily, he would ride his bicycle through town to his “country plot”, wearing his gardening tie {!} and his French cap at a jaunty angle.

 

 

It was the delight of our eldest daughter, when she was little, to sit behind him on the bicycle in her seat to go on a gardening adventure with her Opa. A little basket with “snacks” was packed for the two of them and bound to the back of the bike. When they returned, they always had fresh vegetables, a few flowers, and stories to share of the adventures they shared in the vegetable garden.

 

 

 

 

 

Opa died suddenly at 70, while on vacation in Majorca. I can still picture him there, laughing at the table, raising a glass of wine as a toast.

 

 

 

It’s a loss our family still feels so much, all these years later. He was an absolute gem, funny, kind, loving and an all-around wonderful man. I joke with Mr. FGH that I really married him because I fell in love with his father, and thought he’d be a great grandfather to our children. {He was!}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Tuna & White Bean Salad uses all fresh ingredients. It is perfect on a huge bed of greens. It’s perfect in a “wrap” or served with a loaf of French bread, fresh tomatoes and/or cucumber slices, and a glass of wine.

 

 

 

Inexpensive, easy, and healthy, it’s the ideal hot weather meal. It doesn’t contain mayonnaise, for those who are allergic. Be sure to use a good quality olive oil, it makes all the difference!  Customize it with olives, peppers, a little ranch dressing if you wish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious! Pack this in a container, add luscious summer fruit, a baguette if you didn’t opt for the “wrap” version, c’est fini!

 

 

It’s a favorite here at FrenchGardenHouse to eat outside in the garden, at the ocean, or in the park. {or inside, under the fan.}

 

 

 

 

 

 

FrenchGardenHouse Country Summer Salad

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 (5-ounce) can Albacore tuna in water, drained

1 (15-ounce) can small white beans, drained and rinsed

3 Roma tomatoes, {or other tomatoes fresh off the vine} chopped

1/2 large cucumber, chopped

1/2 medium red or white onion, chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more in reserve

1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus more in reserve

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Optional: green onions, grape tomatoes, black olives, red bell pepper, parsley, capers, celery, or grapes.  If the basil is prolific, I throw in handfuls of basil, and/or any other herb that is growing in the garden.

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl of cold water, soak the red onion for 10 minutes. Drain.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine tuna, white beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly. Try a spoonful of the mixture and add more seasonings as necessary.

3. Let this sit 10-15 minutes so flavors can blend together. Stir and serve by itself, on a bed of lettuce, or in a wrap, use a tortilla, or one of the special “wraps” so many markets sell these days.

Serves 4.

 

 

I hope you try this, it’s so easy and refreshing for these hotter months.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE “GO TO” SUMMER SALAD? Please share!

 

French Bottle Carrier|Checked linen napkins|Cutting Board |Linen Bread Bag| | Red Cashmere Wrap|Linen Tote

 

Country dessert plates|French Bottle Carrier|Country bowls|Cutting Board|French Bread Basket

 

 

A BIENTOT

 

 

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