Simple Cherry Tomato Salad with Olive Oil Toasts

Ingredients

• 1 lime, (zest and juice)
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, (halved)
• 1 cup pitted olives, (any kind you like (I used Kalamata and green olives), chopped)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 3 slices sourdough bread, (cut into triangles (optional))

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, chopped parsley, garlic, Aleppo pepper, and a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Add the lime juice and zest, and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.

2. 2

   Let the flavors meld: Set the salad aside for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release some juices.

3. 3

   Make the Toasts (optional): Meanwhile, if serving with bread, warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until slightly bubbling. Add the bread and fry for a minute or two until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Transfer the bread to a large plate lined with a paper towel to get rid of excess oil. Serve with the cherry tomato salad.