Speaking of easy and fast here is a deliciously refreshing summer salad.

Ingredients for two grown ups, or four to five children:

about 2 cups of diced ripe, not mushy, tomatoes, you choose the kind you prefer

between 1/2 and 2/3 of a cup of thinly sliced cucumber, to taste

a handful of pine nuts (even yummier if roasted) or walnuts*

a handful of chopped fresh basil or, for added zest, cilantro

extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (optional) to taste

*In case of allergies substitute the nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds (also yummier when roasted)

What to do:

Simply wash all ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, skin and thinly slice the cucumber, chop your fresh herb of choice and add the nuts.

Mix gently together.

Dress with olive oil, salt and pepper and, if you choose to, with balsamic vinegar.

Add hard boiled eggs for a satisfying complete meal.