Thai Basil Tomato Salad

A light, summery, low-calorie salad with a kick.

But first.

As we come to the end of our road trip (we’ll be back in Washington tomorrow), I reflect on the miles driven, the sights we’ve seen, the massive changes in landscape.

I’ve learned a few things, like:

1)  Roald Dahl was a genius, & audio books are one of the better inventions of the 2oth century.  My kids have been subdued & entertained in the car dozens of times on our road trip by listening to Matilda (the listened to it at least 3 times).

2)  We need a bigger car.  Or a storage rack on top of our mini van.  Either way, we’ve lived a squished existence in our car–food, clothes, blankets, books, toy guns, camera, laptop.  I’m ready to have more space than just what our current car can offer.  That said, what’s my next option–12 passenger van?  Not sure if I’m ready for that.

3)  I love northern California.  The west side of the state is dry, ranch-like.  The coast, is lush, covered in tall, imposing trees.  I don’t care much for southern California, but I admit I do love the beaches.

4)  I don’t think I’m up for eating any more tostadas al fresco (my kids have also had their fill of bean burritos al fresco) from Taco Bell any time soon.  Fyi: you can easily feed a family of 6 a fairly healthy vegan meal (by fast food standards), for under $15 at Taco Bell or Del Taco.

5)  It’s been nice to have been grounded in one place for the past few days at my sister’s house.  She has a kitchen to covet–lots of storage space, a large island with a gas range, beautiful natural light streaming from spacious windows (a food photographer’s dream).  She also has a garden.

She picked plenty of basil,

& yesterday, I tried to figure out a use for it for lunch.

I started with mushrooms & tomatoes, I knew would go well the basil.

For some flavor, I scoured her cupboards & found this:

I’m a sucker for ethnic cooking ingredients & having never tried red chili oil before, I thought, hey, why not?  Basil, chilis?

Has a Thai feel to it, I think.

{Looking for more healthy recipes?  Check out this week’s edition of Ricki Heller’s Wellness Weekend, where you’ll find this & many other healthy recipes shared.}