September Salad: Goodbye Garden Lunch



We spent our Sunday dismantling the garden. I threw away all the basil & mint plants, took down the tomato plants and put the terra-cotta pots away for the inevitable cold weather.
I still have GORGEOUS Brussels sprouts that are waiting for a frost and asparagus that we will see in the spring, so it's not a total wasteland.

I had 2 measley tomatoes left on the vine and 2 figs, so decided to have a farewell garden lunch. It was finally NOT raining yesterday, so we were able to have an al fresco meal.

Fig & Mozzarella Salad w/ Tapenade Toasts:

a ball of fresh mozzarella, packed in water
a few fresh figs, quartered
2-3 vine ripe tomatoes, sliced
opal basil leaves
sea salt & pepper
arugula leaves for garnish

Tapenade Toasts:
a baguette, sliced & toasted
handful of green olives (Picholine is a good choice or Lucques)
1 anchovy, minced
1 clove garlic
tsp capers
squeeze of a lemon



Mix tapenade together in a chopper or with a mortar & pestle. Can be made a few days ahead. Spread on warm toasts and serve along side the salad.

Dressing:
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
5 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt & pepper



Lay out the salad components on a platter and drizzle w/ dressing. Serve with the tapenade toasts and say goodbye to summer.

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Comments

Karen said…
We said goodbye to our sad garden last week with the cooler weather, so sad to see it go, but your salad makes me hopeful!
Our garden is a mess, we need to dismantle it too, I still have green tomatoes that never ripened. It's rainy, dreary and a reminder that fall is here. Your figs look yummy!
The JR said…
Nice. Luv what you created.
Joanne said…
The idea of saying farewell to the garden is so sad...I'm definitely going to miss figs and tomatoes. Sigh.
Ciao Chow Linda said…
At least you got figs from your tree, even if it's only two left. Mine never seem to ripen. Wish I could say I had nice brussels sprouts. Something happened to mine and I had to pull it out. I will hate to see the season of fresh veggies and fruits come to an end too.
That is one beautiful salad and a great way to celebrate the end of summer. I have "put up" a lot of my garden's bounty so I hope I can make some of that delicious freshness linger some. (And more sauce to make tomorrow!)
Diane Schmidt said…
looks delicious, it's sad when the garden "comes down" but you certainly made the best of it.