The healthy summer-salsa recipe you can put on anything

This recipe has been my best kept secret for years. It's not hard to make, nor are the ingredients particularly unique, yet it can transform a boring meal into a delicious dish in minutes. I've impressed many a guest with my special salsa and would even go so far to say it won over the heart of my now fiancé after I made it for him on one of our first dates. The simple combination of sweet tomatoes, salty capers, spicy garlic and earthy herbs complement each other so nicely. I love to pour this over salmon or trout, but it's also wonderful on chicken, grains or seasonal vegetables. You can use it as a salad dressing, dipping for rustic bread or drizzle over a garden vegetable soup.

Read more: 5 health benefits of heirloom tomatoes

This salsa utilizes summer produce at its finest, delivering a light fresh taste and huge nutritional benefits. The recipe packs vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene, which is found in tomatoes. It's got strong antibacterial properties from the raw garlic, and detoxifying, cleansing and cancer fighting compounds from the green herbs. Plus, it's just the beginning of many creations you can make using this base.

Read more: 5 healthy reasons to eat more raw garlic

Add chopped olives, shallots, different herbs, sliced hot peppers, fresh strawberries or mango — your choices are limitless. I promise, you'll never be able to top your food with sugar-laden processed condiments ever again.

I can’t wait for you to experience for yourself the simplicity (and versatility) of my summer salsa.

Ingredients Approximately 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (fresh from the garden are best!), quartered 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Juice of ¼ lemon 3 tbsp capers 2-3 tbsp fresh herbs (I used basil and parsley), roughly chopped 2 tbsp olive oil Good pinch of sea salt

Directions Place all ingredients in a bowl at least ½ hour before serving

Watch: Food editor Irene Ngo shares her easy trick for halving fresh cherry tomatoes 

Tara Miller is a Toronto-based holistic nutritionist dedicated to helping people discover that small, daily changes can lead to optimal health, happiness and balance. She trained at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and has a degree in psychology from the University of Guelph. She’s the owner of the Health Hut Boutique in Muskoka where she offers effective and toxic-free beauty, household and specialty food items. You can follow her blog at Tara Miller Nutrition.