Simple No-Cook Summer Side Dish

One of the things I appreciate most about meal planning is that everyone’s system is different.  Some families find success in planning every meal each day down to the tiniest detail, like which condiments will be served.  Another family’s meal planner might shudder at the thought of such a strict regimen and instead simply list five to seven main dishes that will be served at some point (in some order) during the week.  

No matter where your planning preferences fall on the spectrum, you don’t want to overlook accompaniments to your main dish.  In the Jumpstart your Family’s Meal Plan workbook, we discuss the benefits of having go-to side dishes for your family favorite meals.  These don’t have to be complex or complicated.  In fact, they could be as simple as microwaving frozen broccoli or slicing up an apple.  

If you’re looking to add some easy side dishes to your collection, check out Fruits and Veggies More Matters.  I found this Watermelon and Tomato Salad recipe there.

All you need is tomatoes, watermelon, olive oil and vinegar.  (And, though it’s not included in the ingredient list of the recipe, basil is listed in the instructions.  I think it would have been a nice touch.)

Dice the watermelon (and remove seeds, if necessary) and lightly toss with the oil and vinegar (& basil) mixture. 

Then top the sliced tomatoes with the watermelon mixture.

(It’s worth noting that these tomatoes would be a mighty tasty side dish on their own.)

You can’t go wrong with fresh, local produce from the farmers’ market.  And this produce combination is definitely a unique take on a summer salad.  Next time, I’ll definitely try it with basil, though.

What is your favorite summer side dish?  Do you have the same side dishes over and over?  Would you try this watermelon and tomato combo?