Five-tomato Salad

Five-tomato Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful Salad with Spinach, Tomatoes, Feta, and Five Different Types of Tomatoes

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Five-tomato salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that showcases the variety of tomatoes available. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish to complement any main course.

History

The five-tomato salad recipe has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where tomatoes are a staple ingredient. The combination of different types of tomatoes adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a popular choice for summer meals.

Ingredients

Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil or salad oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp thinly sliced green onion or snipped fresh chives
2 tsp snipped fresh basil or 0.5 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dijon-style mustard
0.25 tsp salt

Salad

spinach leaves
3 roma tomatoes, sliced
2 medium red tomatoes, sliced
1 medium yellow tomato, sliced
0.5 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup crumbled feta, gorgonzola, or blue cheese (2 oz (57 g))
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Dressing

To make the dressing, combine the olive or salad oil, vinegar, green onion or chives, basil, sugar, mustard, and salt in a screw-top jar.
Cover the jar and shake well.
If desired, chill the dressing.

Salad

To serve the salad, line a serving platter with spinach leaves.
Arrange the tomatoes on the platter.
Shake the dressing well and drizzle it over the tomatoes.
Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top of the tomatoes.
Finally, sprinkle with pepper.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different taste.
Include other vegetables such as bell peppers or red onion for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results.

- Make sure to slice the tomatoes evenly for a visually appealing presentation.

- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as avocado or cucumber for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the five-tomato salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious five-tomato salad is to use fresh and ripe tomatoes, and to prepare the dressing ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the salad by using different types of tomatoes or cheese, or by adding other ingredients such as olives or nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and slice the tomatoes ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a colorful and artistic pattern on a serving platter, and sprinkle the crumbled cheese and freshly ground pepper on top for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

The five-tomato salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or pasta dishes. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze the salad, as the tomatoes will become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of the five-tomato salad contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and refreshing option for a meal.

Carbohydrates

The five-tomato salad is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The salad contains healthy fats from the salad oil and blue cheese, with around 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of the five-tomato salad provides about 6 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate. This salad is a great way to boost your intake of essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the blue cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, the five-tomato salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Five-tomato salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the diversity of tomatoes. With a simple dressing and the addition of crumbled cheese, this salad is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Enjoy the fresh and bright flavors of this salad as a side dish or a light main course.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside for the summer. My aunt was a wonderful cook and she loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. One day, while we were out in her garden picking fresh tomatoes, she told me about a special salad that she had learned to make from her own grandmother.

The salad was called Five-tomato Salad, and it was a delicious mix of five different types of tomatoes – cherry, grape, beefsteak, roma, and heirloom. Each tomato added a unique flavor and texture to the dish, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. My aunt explained that the key to making the salad perfect was to use only the freshest and ripest tomatoes, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.

I watched in awe as my aunt prepared the salad, chopping the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and tossing them with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. The aroma that wafted from the bowl was enough to make my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to try it.

When my aunt finally served the salad, I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and freshness. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, and the earthiness of the herbs all worked together perfectly, creating a dish that was simple yet incredibly satisfying.

From that day on, the Five-tomato Salad became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy summer afternoons. Each time I prepared the salad, I was reminded of that special day in my aunt's garden, where I first learned the magic of combining different types of tomatoes to create something truly delicious.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs, spices, and even adding other ingredients like avocado or feta cheese. But no matter how I choose to customize it, the Five-tomato Salad will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy of discovering new flavors and the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in my cooking.

As I grew older and my own garden flourished, I made sure to always plant a variety of tomatoes, just so I could recreate that special salad whenever the mood struck. And as I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I made sure to tell them the story of how I first learned to make it, in the hopes that they too would find joy in creating something delicious and memorable from the simplest of ingredients.

So now, as I stand in my kitchen, chopping tomatoes and whisking together the vinaigrette for yet another batch of Five-tomato Salad, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day in my aunt's garden. For it was there that I discovered the joy of cooking, the magic of fresh ingredients, and the beauty of sharing a delicious meal with those you love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.