TOMATOES, SQUASH AND BEANS SALAD

I do believe that summer is officially here.  I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful, Southern California weather. Today I am thinking nice fresh vegetables.  This recipe is one my Grandmother made a lot at this time of year when all these wonderful vegetables were so plentiful from her garden.  We would have this for lunch with a lot of fresh baked Italian bread.  That is all we needed.  What a feast!  You can serve it with your grilled meat, fish or chicken as a side salad.

TOMATOES, SQUASH AND BEANS SALAD

2 cups of sliced zucchini (about 1/2" rounds)
1 pound of fresh green string beans (we used Italian green flat beans if you can find them)
4 large Italian plum tomatoes
1 onion sliced very thin
2 cloves of garlic chopped
2 tablespoons of italian parsley  chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Oil and vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (you can leave these out if you don't like the hot)
Salt and pepper

Have a large bowl with a lot of ice and water ready to cool the vegetables.  Cook the beans in boiling water for just about 2 minutes.  Drain and plunge into the ice bath.  Remove and set aside.  Cut the tomatoes into 1/4's and set aside.  Cook the zucchini in a little water just until almost tender.  Drain and plunge into the ice bath.  Remove and set aside.  When all the vegetables are cool.  Put them into a large bowl and toss together.  Add the parsley and the garlic.  Make a dressing with olive oil, vinegar and the oregano, and hot pepper.   Pour over all and toss gently.  Salt and pepper to taste.

A great way to get your kids to eat some fresh vegetables!

Thanks for stopping in today.
Ciao
Grayce