Summer Lunch

Tomato Salad

1 red onion, sliced thin

3 teaspoons of salt

1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt 

dash of pepper

8 cup of various colors and kinds of tomatoes, sliced or cut in wedges depending on the type of tomato

In a large bowl combine the sliced red onion and the 3 teaspoons of salt and covered with water.  Stir the onions and allow to sit at room temperature for at least a half hour.  Drain onion and mix with the cut tomatoes.  Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt and dash of pepper.  Gently mix the dressing into the tomatoes and onions and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can combine.   

Soba Salad

Dressing:

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons grated ginger

1 tablespoon honey

3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoon Sriracha

1/4 cup virgin olive oil

Salad

12 ounces soba noodles, cooked according to the package and rinsed under cold water and drained

1 carrot, grated

1 red pepper, sliced thin

1/2 cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced very thin

small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 cups slivered cooked chicken, optional

toasted sesame seeds and slivered almond for garnish

Whisk the dressing ingredients together.  Taste the dressing and add more sugar or salt depending on your taste.  Mix the soba noodles, carrots, red pepper, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro and chicken in a large bowel,  Add the dressing and gently mix.  Serve topped with sesame seeds and / or sliver almonds.  

Popsicle Sangria

Sweet or semisweet white wine

Fruit popsicle