Marinated Zucchini Salad

Zucchini and tomatoes: what could be more summery?  This fresh salad is beautiful, delicious, and takes full advantage of seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 1 large-ish zucchini

- 1 large tomato

- 1/2 spring onion (or sweet onion)

- 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

- 2 tbsp olive tapenade

- 1 tbsp roughly chopped capers

- 1 tsp red pepper flakes

- salt and pepper to taste

- fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, tapenade, capers, salt, and pepper.  Whisk together and set aside.

- Thinly slice the onions and separate the rings.

- Thinly slice the zucchini.  You can cut it into circles or cut or shave it length-wise into ribbons, which I find prettier.  Either way, try to get the slices as thin as possible.

- Add the vegetables to the bowl and toss with the dressing.  Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

- Before serving, cut up the tomato and gently toss it with the other vegetables.

- Tear up the fresh basil and sprinkle on top of the salad to serve.

I served this salad atop socca flavored with a bit of crushed fennel which made it a satisfying, complete meal.  You could also easily turn this into a panzanella salad or toss it with some feta.  Leftovers, (but, really, you won't have any), keep well covered and refrigerated.

Enjoy!