Chickpea and Tomato Salad

(modified from Sunset Magazine, July 2006)

This was a big hit at Heather and Assaf's the other night.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. tomatoes, rinsed, cored, and chopped
• 2 15 oz. cans of unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 c. chopped sweet onion
• 1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp. sherry vinegar
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp. coarse salt
• chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Mix chickpeas, tomatoes and onion in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl or jar, combine olive oil, vinegar and salt.

Shortly before serving, whisk or shake oil mixture well and pour over chickpea mixture.

Stir. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Iced Herb Gazpacho

(from Natural Home and Garden)

Thusfar untried! If you try this recipe, please leave comments on how well you liked it...!

Ingredients

• 6 large tomatoes
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, pressed
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 c. red wine vinegar
• 1/2 c. olive oil
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 3 sprigs basil leaves
• 3 sprigs cilantro leaves
• 3 sprigs parsley leaves
• salt and pepper

Roughly puree tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, red pepper flakes, vinegar and oil. Add scallions and herbs and pulse until just chopped, being careful not to over-do it! Add salt and pepper to taste. If possible, chill overnight to allow flavors to blend.