Tomato Salad Recipe
In many parts of Italy, lunch is a full 5-course meal with dinner often being just a small charcuterie plate or a simple tomato salad.
Fresh grape tomatoes make this simple, traditional Sicilian salad so satisfying.
You’ll need:
Key Ingredients
- Grape tomatoes (about 2 pints)
- Celery (1 stalk)
- Onion (1/2 of a small white or red onion)
- Black olives
- Capers (to taste)
- Fresh basil (2-4 leaves)
- Oregano
- Extra virgin olive oil (Enough for dipping!)
- Red wine vinegar
- Parmigiano shavings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Slice the grape tomatoes into halves. Next, cut one stalk of celery into bitesize pieces. For a bite of onion without overpowering other flavors, slice the onion into thin rings and cut the rings into half or quarter moons.
Add olives and a spoonful or two of capers. Note: Capers are pickled flower buds from the Capparis spinosa plant, adding a salty, savory flavor.
Place your cut vegetables and other ingredients in a bowl and generously drizzle the salad with some extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Tear and add fresh basil leaves, along with Parmigiano shavings.
Toss well and enjoy!
Serve this delicious salad with toasted bread and extra Parmigiano shavings. This salad also makes a lovely relish topping over grilled foods.
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Photo and recipe credit: Giuseppe Cacioppo Instagram~ @gcdolceliving
There is nothing quite like a fresh tomato salad to celebrate the flavors of summer. In this tomato salad recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delightful and healthy dish that you can enjoy with family and friends. Whether you're throwing a backyard BBQ, looking for a light lunch, or wanting a tasty side dish, this tomato salad has got you covered.
To start, you'll need the freshest tomatoes you can find. The key to a delicious tomato salad is ripe, juicy tomatoes that burst with flavor. You can use any type of tomato you prefer, but heirloom tomatoes add a fantastic depth of flavor and an array of vibrant colors to your dish. Wash and slice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and be sure to remove any stems or bruised areas.
Next, let's add some complementary ingredients to our tomato salad. Fresh basil leaves are a classic pairing with tomatoes and add a wonderful, aromatic touch. Tear the basil leaves by hand to release their natural oils and enhance their flavor. Additionally, thinly sliced red onions and fresh mozzarella balls (often called bocconcini) add a delightful crunch and creamy texture to the salad.
For the dressing, we want to keep it simple and let the tomatoes shine. A basic vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper will do wonders. Just whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl until they emulsify. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If you want to take your tomato salad to the next level, consider adding some additional ingredients. Avocado slices bring a creamy richness, while a handful of arugula or spinach adds a peppery bite. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving your tomato salad right away will give you the best results, but if you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This way, the tomatoes will stay fresh and won't become soggy.
Essentially, this tomato salad recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. It's a wonderful way to use up those summer tomatoes and create a dish that's both beautiful and delicious.
