Fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes are a rite of summer! Slice an assortment of fresh heirloom tomatoes in 1/2 thick slices. ( if you can’t get heirloom varieties, get the freshest tomatoes you can find)

Line a platter or large shallow serving bowl with the tomato slices. Add sliced hearts of palm, olives and crumbled blue cheese decoratively to tomatoes.

Drizzle liberally with balsamic ( the GOOD stuff!) . Splash with a good quality olive oil. O olive oil with basil is a wonderful pairing for this Mediterranean salad. Top with a liberal grinding of fresh pepper and a sprinkle or two of sea salt flakes ( Maldon are my favorite)

This salad makes a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat. It is also a perfectly wonderful summer supper on is own served with a large loaf of ciabatta bread and a crisp wine.

You can, of course, use a bed of lettuce as well as a background.