Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

I do not have a green thumb.  Nor do I enjoy yard work.  I do however enjoy a nice yard, which isn't always easy when you're married to a golfer.  Because if the weather is nice enough to work in the yard, it's nice enough to be on the golf course. So most of the gardening is my responsibility.  Every year I plant herbs and a few veggies with minimal results.  This year I decided I would actually put forth some effort into my gardening and really research how to reap the best harvest.  It's actually been rewarding this year because I've had good results, especially with lettuce and cherry tomatoes.  An abundance of cherry tomatoes.  Piles of cherry tomatoes.  What to do with a bounty of cherry tomatoes?  Come up with a great little dish that can be a side dish or appetizer.  I served it with toasty bread, a little like a deconstructed bruschetta, but it would be refreshing as a tangy side salad as well.  Bonus, I grew the herbs that went in here too!  Maybe my thumb will be slightly green by the end of summer.

Such a bright, colorful dish.

Garden fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Stir together tomato halves,
parsley and basil...

Add dressing, and toss to coat.

Serve with bread as a hearty appetizer,
or as a tangy side salad...

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (I used half curly, half flat-leaf Italian)
3 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade cut (roll up leaves and thinly slice to avoid brusing)
1/4 cup good quality olive oil
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

In a jar or container with a tight fitting lid, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, dried thyme and sugar.  Shake until dressing is thoroughly combined.  In a bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, parsley and basil.  Pour dressing over and toss to combine.  Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Prep Time:  Approximately 15 minutes     Cook Time:  0 needs to chill