• 1 lb ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 cup roasted red pepper, optional, for added color and flavor
• 5 1/2 ounces tomato juice, also optional. It adds a more 'tomatoey flavor.
• 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar, substitute any vinegar you like
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• juice of 1/2 lemon, optional, taste first
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 red onion, finely minced
• 1 colorful bell pepper, finely minced
• about an 8 inch piece of seedless cucumber, finely minced, no need to peel.

garnish

• small basil or cilantro leaves
• a few heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
• edible blossoms
• a drizzle of olive oil