Ah, tomatoes—the juicy jewels of summer, bursting with sunshine and a hint of nostalgia. I swear, there’s nothing quite like biting into a ripe tomato, still warm from the garden, and feeling that explosion of flavor.
(Remember the tomato shortage scare in 2023? Thank goodness we’re past that!
) Whether you’re a salad aficionado or just tomato-curious, these recipes will have you dreaming of endless summer days.
Steps
- Start by slicing the tomatoes into 8 to 10 wedges, ensuring you remove the core.
- Place the tomato wedges in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle finely minced shallots and garlic over the tomatoes, followed by salt and white pepper.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar.
- Gently toss the ingredients to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Add finely sliced basil leaves to the bowl and toss once more to distribute the herbs.
- Transfer the tomato salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes (approximately 180g / 6oz each)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced eschalots (shallots)
- 1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pinches white pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely sliced basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 468cal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Sodium: 1772mg | Potassium: 1176mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 4100IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use any type of tomato for this salad?
- While this salad shines with ripe, juicy tomatoes, it can still be delicious with regular greenhouse-grown tomatoes. If you have cherry or grape tomatoes, consider making a Cherry Tomato Salad instead.
- What can I substitute for eschallots?
- If eschallots are unavailable, you can use finely minced white parts of green onions or very finely minced red onions as a substitute.
- Is it necessary to use basil in the salad?
- While basil is a classic pairing with tomatoes, the salad is still worth making without it. A pinch of dried oregano can be a good alternative to basil.
- What type of vinegar works best in this salad?
- White wine vinegar is preferred, but you can also use apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or sherry vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is an option, but note that it may darken the tomatoes.
- Why is the assembly method important in this recipe?
- Sprinkling the ingredients directly onto the tomato wedges allows the flavors to infuse better than pouring a dressing over the top, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
Tips
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. However, even greenhouse-grown tomatoes can work well if that’s all you have available.
- Avoid using a garlic press for this recipe. Instead, finely mince the garlic by hand to ensure it sticks better to the tomato wedges.
- Substitute eschalots with finely minced white parts of green onions or red onions if needed, as they bring a sweet, delicate flavor ideal for raw salads.
- Enhance the salad’s flavor by using high-quality extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, such as white wine vinegar, for a restaurant-quality taste.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife – For finely mincing garlic and eschallots.
- Cutting Board – To safely and efficiently cut the tomatoes and other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – A large one to toss and mix the salad ingredients.
- Salad Tongs or Serving Spoon – For tossing and serving the salad.
