Marinated Arugula and Tomato Salad

     The peppery flavor of arugula is perfect for marinating with tomatoes.  I have served marinated tomatoes as a lunch entree accompaniment and as a lunch salad for many years in restaurants.  Florida seems to be the place where marinated tomatoes are appreciated the most.  Florida has a great tomato crop every year, but mot are harvested green and shipped north.  Ripe local Florida tomatoes are among the worlds best tomatoes.  The nice flavor of marinated tomatoes is very refreshing in hot humid weather.
     When making marinated tomatoes, try not to over season the tomatoes or use too strong of a marinade.  The tomato should be the featured ingredient and flavor.  The marinade should only accent the ripe tomato flavor.  There is a cooking term for this in Italian.  The word "delicato" is a term that the best Italian chefs understand well.  When using balsamic vinegar, only add a minimal amount.  Balsamic vinegar has a deep strong flavor.  A little bit goes a long way.  
    
     Marinated Arugula and Tomato:
     The arugula is added later, so it does nor become too limp.  
     Place 1/2 tablespoon of virgin olive oil in a mixing bowl.
     Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
     Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
     Add 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar.
     Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice.
     Add 1 minced garlic clove.
     Add 1 small shallot that is sliced thin.
     Add 1 pinch coarsely ground black pepper.
     Add sea salt.
     Add 1 pinch of oregano.
     Stir the marinade.
     Add 1 ripe tomato that is cut into thin wedges.
     Toss the marinade and tomato together.
     Place the bowl in a refrigerator for 45 minutes.
     Add 2 cups of baby arugula leaves.
     Marinate for 20 more minutes at room temperature.
    
     Marinated Arugula and Tomato Salad:
     Place a bed of a few trimmed Boston lettuce leaves on the bottom of a shallow salad bowl.
     Mound the marinated arugula and tomato on the Boston lettuce.
     Sprinkle 1 pinch of oregano over the salad.
     Sprinkle a little bit of grated parmesan cheese on the salad.  Place a few thin slices of mushroom around the salad.
    
     The bold refreshing flavor of the marinated ripe tomatoes is perfect with peppery arugula.  The small amount of oregano and parmesan cheese adds to the appeal.  The small amount of balsamic vinegar does not overpower the flavor of the tomatoes.  The small amount of red wine vinegar and lemon "brightens" the flavor.  This is a nice tasting and refreshing salad!  Yum!  Ciao Baby!  ...  Shawna