What instead of the tomato?

[1]

If there is one produce item that says summer more than any other, I think it’s the tomato. Every year I look forward to the arrival of big, juicy tomatoes that have been ripened on the vine outdoors. Once they come to market, I indulge in them any way I can. This year is no different.

But in the U.S. people are being warned off of certain tomatoes (plum and Roma) from certain regions [2], as well as some types of peppers and cilantro [3], because of a salmonella scare. While the Food and Drug Administration is saying that tomatoes from other regions are safe [4], I think it is human nature to be wary of tomatoes in general - just like the spinach contamination scare of last year.

While it’s not much of a stretch to think of alternative greens to spinach, it’s hard to think of alternatives to tomatoes. What else matches that tart-sweet juiciness?

Are you avoiding tomatoes this summer? What are you using instead of them if so? What other produce says “summer” to you? Any suggestions for tomato-less summer salad?