Oh, the simple pleasures of a tomato salad—it’s like summer in a bowl, isn’t it? There’s something beautifully nostalgic about slicing through ripe, juicy tomatoes, their sweet and tangy flavors mingling with a hint of basil, maybe a drizzle of balsamic. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, sun streaming through the window, those afternoons when time seemed to stretch, and all that mattered was that first bite.
Steps
- Begin by placing the chopped red onion into a bowl filled with ice water to soften its flavor and enhance its crispness. Let it soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Arrange the tomato wedges on a large serving platter. After draining the onions, layer a third of them over the tomatoes, then add half of the cherry tomatoes on top.
- If using optional ingredients like cucumber, mozzarella, or avocado, layer them next, followed by another third of the onions. Add the remaining cherry tomatoes and onions, and sprinkle the basil over the entire salad.
- Pour the olive oil over the layered salad, followed by the balsamic vinegar. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor. It can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, but it is best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation.
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped red onion (about ½ small red onion)
- 1 pint (12 ounces or 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 pound additional tomatoes (about 1 large, 2 medium, or 3 small), cut into bite-sized wedges
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil and/or small basil leaves (or substitute parsley, dill, and/or chives)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ English cucumber or 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 torn mozzarella ball or around 1 cup mini mozzarella balls or cubed part-skim mozzarella
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
- Handful of baby arugula
FAQ
- What type of tomatoes are best for this salad?
- Ripe tomatoes are crucial for a great tomato salad. Use a mix of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, and small-to-medium tomatoes cut into bite-sized wedges. Any combination works, as long as the tomatoes are fresh and flavorful.
- How do you reduce the intensity of raw red onion in the salad?
- Soaking the chopped red onion in ice-cold water helps to mellow its strong flavor and makes it crisper, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Can I substitute basil with other herbs in the tomato salad?
- Yes, if basil is unavailable, parsley, dill, or chives can be used as alternatives, adding their unique flavors to the salad.
- What kind of balsamic vinegar should be used for this recipe?
- A high-quality, thick balsamic vinegar is recommended for a nice drizzle. Alternatively, a store-bought balsamic glaze or reduction can be used, or you can make your own balsamic reduction.
- How can I vary this tomato salad recipe?
- The recipe is quite versatile. You can add ingredients like mozzarella, ripe avocado, or even arugula for a heartier salad. For a different twist, try substituting some of the tomatoes with ripe peaches.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for the best extra-virgin olive oil and a thick, aged balsamic vinegar, as their flavors will enhance the overall taste of the salad significantly.
- Soak the Red Onion: To mellow the intensity of raw red onion, soak it in ice-cold water while preparing the other ingredients. This step will also add a crisp texture to the onions.
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The key to a delicious tomato salad is using ripe, high-quality tomatoes. Experiment with different varieties like cherry, grape, or heirloom to find your favorite combination.
- Experiment with Additions: Try adding ingredients like sliced cucumbers, mozzarella, avocados, or even peaches for different textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to suit your taste.
Equipment
- High-Quality Olive Oil – If you don’t have a good extra-virgin olive oil at home, you might consider purchasing one.
- Thick Balsamic Vinegar or Balsamic Glaze – A high-quality aged balsamic vinegar or a store-bought balsamic glaze/reduction.
- Maldon Flaky Sea Salt – If you don’t have flaky sea salt, this could be an item to purchase for better flavor enhancement.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper Mill – For those who don’t have a pepper mill for freshly ground black pepper.
