Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing

Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of juicy heirloom tomatoes and flavorful herb dressing makes this salad a standout dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic tomato salad. Tomatoes have been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and this recipe takes inspiration from the fresh and vibrant flavors of the region. The herb dressing adds a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly.

Ingredients

Salad
3 lb (1.36 kg) colorful heirloom tomatoes
-
garlic bread
4 slices sourdough bread
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and cut in half
-
herb Dressing
0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar, optional
1 small clove fresh garlic, crushed
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

1. To prepare the Salad: Start by coring large tomatoes, then cut them in half and slice. Set aside.
2. To make the Garlic Bread: Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and toast the slices. After toasting, lightly rub the bread with garlic and set aside.
3. To prepare the Herb Dressing: Whisk together olive oil and wine vinegar (if using) with garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. To serve, toss the tomatoes in the Herb Dressing. Place the garlic toast on individual serving plates and arrange the tomato slices in a stack on top of the bread. Drizzle the Herb Dressing over the tomatoes and around the plate, and sprinkle with fresh herb leaves as a garnish.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture.
Top the salad with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a variety of colorful heirloom tomatoes for a visually stunning salad.

- Make sure to toast the bread until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to customize the herb dressing with your favorite herbs for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light and refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Coring and slicing the tomatoes evenly will ensure a visually appealing presentation.

- Toasting the bread until crispy will prevent it from becoming soggy when topped with the tomatoes and dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of bread you prefer, such as ciabatta or baguette.

- Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the herb dressing and toast the bread in advance. Toss the tomatoes in the dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and juicy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tomato slices in a circular pattern on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herb leaves and a drizzle of extra herb dressing for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or a light pasta dish. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a glass of chilled rosé for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may become soggy, so it is best to enjoy the salad fresh. Reheat the bread in a toaster oven to crisp it up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 32g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 40% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Vitamin A: 25% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Alergens

Contains gluten from the sourdough bread

Summary

This Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of antioxidants and is low in calories.

Summary

Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer. With juicy heirloom tomatoes and a zesty herb dressing, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this refreshing dish with friends and family for a taste of the Mediterranean.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly in the sky as I strolled through the bustling farmer's market in town. The air was filled with the sweet scents of ripe fruits and vegetables, and I couldn't help but feel inspired by the abundance of fresh produce around me.

As I made my way through the market, I came across a small stand overflowing with plump, juicy tomatoes of all shapes and sizes. The vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges beckoned to me, and I couldn't resist picking up a few to take home. As I chatted with the friendly farmer who grew them, he mentioned a simple recipe for a tomato salad that he loved to make during the summer months.

Intrigued, I asked him for the details, and he happily shared the ingredients and steps with me. The key, he said, was to use the freshest tomatoes possible and to make a light, herb-infused dressing to enhance their natural flavors. I thanked him for his generosity and headed home, eager to try out the recipe for myself.

Once I was back in my kitchen, I gathered all the necessary ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs from my garden, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. As I chopped the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and whisked together the dressing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me.

When everything was ready, I tossed the tomatoes with the dressing, making sure each piece was coated in the flavorful mixture. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a place of pure delight. The juicy tomatoes burst with flavor, while the herbs added a fresh, aromatic note that danced on my taste buds. It was a simple dish, yet it was one of the most delicious things I had ever tasted.

From that moment on, Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on lazy summer afternoons. Each time I made it, I was reminded of that sunny day at the farmer's market and the kindness of the farmer who had shared his recipe with me.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in different herbs or experimenting with different types of vinegar. But no matter how I choose to make it, the essence of the dish remains the same: a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this point. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with those around me. And this recipe for Fresh Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing is a shining example of that love, a testament to the joy that can be found in a simple, delicious dish made with care and intention.

So the next time you find yourself at a farmer's market, surrounded by the bounty of the season, I encourage you to seek out the freshest tomatoes you can find and give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, perhaps it will become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen, just as it has in mine. Bon appétit!