Tomatoes are a wonderfully versatile fruit rich in vitamins A and C. But perhaps the most exciting nutrient found in tomatoes is lycopene, a carotenoid responsible for the red color. Lycopene may help reduce the risk of a variety of cancers, most notably prostate cancer and breast cancer. New research shows lycopene even helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

Bruschetta
Garlic-flavored olive oil
2 tomatoes, chopped or sliced
2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
18 slices baguette bread
Mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)

Lightly brush olive oil on baguette slices. Add tomatoes and basil to slices. Sprinkle about 1 tbsp cheese on each slice. Bake in a 425 degree oven about 3 minutes or until ingredients are heated through and cheese is melted.

No-Cook Pasta Sauce - Tomato and Basil
4 peeled, seeded and diced ripe tomatoes
3 TBSP torn basil leaves
3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 crushed garlic clove
Sea salt & pepper
14 oz. of your favorite pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions. While pasta is cooking mix tomatoes, basil, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside. When pasta is done toss pasta with sauce.

Nutrition per serving: 330 calories, 8 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 15 mg sodium, 53 g total carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, and 9 g protein.
Serves: 6.

Layered Greek Dip
2 (8-oz each) containers flavored hummus
3/4 cup chopped cucumbers
1 plum tomato, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
3 tbsp sliced green onions
Hy-Vee organic blue corn chips

Spread hummus on a 10-inch serving platter. Top with cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, olives and onions. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour. Serve with organic corn chips. Serves 28.

Nutrition per serving: 38 calories, 4 g carbs, 1 g protein, 2 g fat, 1 g fiber, 128 mg sodium.