Along with the abundance of sunshine, long days, summer storms, blinking fireflies and brilliant sunsets, summer is a bountiful time for growing and consuming fresh, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.

Take advantage of this time to stock up on ripe summer tomatoes, sharp and sweet onions, colorful cilantro, and fragrant basil, among many other delicious foods.

What to do with all of those tomatoes, onions, cilantro and basil? Chop yourself up some fresh pico de gallo or bruschetta, and bask in the glory of summer-time food.

Pico de gallo:

Ingredients:

• 3 summer tomatoes
• 1 red onion
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice
• pinch of salt

Directions:

Rinse tomatoes and cilantro. Chop the tomatoes and red onion, then add to a mixing bowl. Pluck off the leaves of your cilantro, stack them and finely chop, or give them a good rough chop. Sprinkle the cilantro all over your chopped ingredients, then squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice into your bowl (depending on how citrus-y you like it). Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, toss and enjoy them with tacos, burgers, eggs, rice, tortilla chips etc…

Another option is a simple sauté of tomatoes, onions, chopped garlic and olive oil to use as a base for a tomato sauce, which also makes for a great addition to soups or to season beans.

Bruschetta:

Ingredients:

• 3 summer tomatoes
• 1 red onion
• 1 bunch of basil
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions:

Rinse tomatoes and basil. Chop the tomatoes, red onion and finely chop the garlic, then add to a mixing bowl. Pluck off the leaves of your bunch of basil, stack them and finely chop for a chiffonade, or rip them into smaller pieces. Add the basil to your bowl, then pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over your chopped ingredients. Toss and enjoy them atop fresh crusty bread, add to pasta, pizza, salad, eggs, pita chips or just enjoy with a fork!

This post was written by Flora McKay, Director of Community & Nutrition.