Grape Tomato Salad
Grape Tomato Salad Recipe from Kenya | Fresh and Healthy Ingredients
Introduction
Grape Tomato Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of sweet grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette creates a delicious and healthy salad that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Grape Tomato Salad is a modern twist on the classic tomato salad. The use of grape tomatoes, which are smaller and sweeter than traditional tomatoes, gives this salad a unique flavor and texture. The addition of cucumber and green onions adds freshness and crunch, while the balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1.5 cups chopped cucumber
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.13 tsp salt
How to prepare
- Place tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Combine balsamic vinegar, sugar, olive oil, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Stir with a whisk.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
Variations
- Add feta cheese or mozzarella pearls for a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for added flavor.
- Substitute red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a different taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe grape tomatoes for the best flavor.
- You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or avocado.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad in the vinaigrette for a few hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Grape Tomato Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side of quinoa for a more filling meal.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply chop the vegetables, whisk together the vinaigrette, and toss everything together in a bowl.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes in place of grape tomatoes.
- Lemon juice can be used instead of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salad and vinaigrette ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the two just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Grape Tomato Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Grape Tomato Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the vegetables will become mushy. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 80
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Fats
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Proteins
Protein: 1g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 20% of daily value
Vitamin K: 15% of daily value
Potassium: 8% of daily value
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.
Summary
Grape Tomato Salad is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Summary
Grape Tomato Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy this healthy and nutritious salad as a side dish or a light meal any time of the year.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Grape Tomato Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished visiting a local farmer's market where I stumbled upon a vendor selling the most vibrant and plump grape tomatoes I had ever seen. Intrigued by their freshness, I struck up a conversation with the vendor and learned that these tomatoes were grown organically in his own backyard.
As we chatted, he mentioned that his wife had a special recipe for a tomato salad that showcased the natural sweetness of the grape tomatoes. Intrigued, I asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in his eye, he agreed and proceeded to jot down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap piece of paper.
Eager to try out the recipe, I rushed home and gathered the ingredients - fresh grape tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. As I chopped, diced, and mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh herbs and tangy vinegar.
The first bite of the Grape Tomato Salad was a revelation. The burst of flavors - the sweet tomatoes, the sharp bite of the red onion, the earthy basil, and the tangy balsamic vinegar - all came together in perfect harmony. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire.
Over the years, I have made this salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy touch, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for added crunch. Regardless of the variations, the essence of the recipe remains the same - a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
As I continued to perfect the Grape Tomato Salad, I shared the recipe with friends and family who were equally enamored by its simplicity and deliciousness. It became a go-to dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, always eliciting rave reviews and requests for the recipe.
I often think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market when I first discovered this recipe. It serves as a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together, to evoke memories and emotions, and to nourish both body and soul.
Now, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that it will continue to bring joy and delight to those who taste it. I hope that it will be shared and cherished, just as I have shared and cherished it over the years.
And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I raise my fork to the Grape Tomato Salad - a humble dish that has brought me so much happiness and satisfaction. Cheers to good food, good company, and the simple pleasures of life.
Categories
| Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Grape Tomato Recipes | Kenyan Recipes | Kenyan Salads |