Tomato Salad with Roasted Garlic, Olives and Pearl Mozzarella Balls - 52 Do Ahead Salads, Side Dishes

This very simple salad is slightly limited.  The tomatoes MUST be as fresh as possible.  Sadly, winter tomatoes lose a lot of their taste due to extra care needed to keep them looking right during the long shipping distances (South America usually) and extra care (chemicals) used to keep the illusion of freshness.

Just a little hint, the smaller the tomato in winter the more flavor.  So avoid the bug beefsteak tomatoes and aim for the tiny cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes.

OR... Just really look forward to fresh local tomato season when you can grab one from your own back yard garden (or the local Farmer's Market).  There is NOTHING like a fresh tomato!

OK... Here's what I did...

Tomato Salad with Roasted Garlic, Olives and Pearl Mozzarella Balls

Ingredients

• 2-3 Large Fresh Tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick, then cut in half moons
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Roasted in a drizzle of Olive Oil, CHopped fine
• 1/4 Cup Black Olives, Chopped
• Several Basil Leaves, Sliced into slivers
• 1/2 Cup Pearl Mini Mozzarella Balls
• Drizzle of Olive Oil
• Large Pinch Sea Salt

Cooking Directions

1. All you need to do in advance is roast the garlic... Pre heat oven to 300 degrees. Peel garlic cloves, Lay in an Aluminum Foil sheet, drizzle with olive oil and a small pinch of Sea Salt. Seal the aluminum foil and roast in oven for 1 hour.
2. After the hour, chop the garlic which is now soft and tastes a little sweet.
3. Combine the garlic, and all ingredients to make an attractive fresh cold seasonal Tomato Salad
4. Serve Chilled and ENJOY!

This would make a fantastic lunch on it's own, or even a meatless Monday big salad...

Or a fantastic way to open and brighten a BBQ table...

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Grilling Time Secret Extras" or "52 Ways to Cook BBQ and Grilling Recipes"!!!

Well over 52 recipes actually as I just can't stop... Over 100 in one grilling season (I love to grill!). But not just leat... Drinks, Condiments (LOTS of different BBQ sauces), Drinks, Desserts... even specialty items like GRILLED Pizza, and fun shaped Watermelons.  Easy and these ideas will make you the MASTER of your Backyard Domain!

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