Ojai Canned Tomato Salad

Introduction

History

This recipe originated in Ojai, California, a small town known for its abundance of fresh produce. Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple in many households, making this salad a convenient and delicious option for busy days.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, use high-quality canned tomatoes that are packed in their own juices. Drain the tomatoes before using them in the salad to prevent excess liquid from diluting the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ojai Canned Tomato Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Refrigerating the salad for at least two hours before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Ojai Canned Tomato Salad with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 60 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

Ojai Canned Tomato Salad is a low-calorie and nutritious dish that is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Summary

Ojai Canned Tomato Salad is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious salad that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ojai Canned Tomato Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in the picturesque town of Ojai, California. Margaret had a beautiful garden overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes, and she insisted on sharing her favorite tomato salad recipe with me.

As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables, Margaret began to tell me the story of how she came to learn this recipe. She explained that the salad had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had lived in Ojai many years ago.

Margaret's great-grandmother had been a renowned cook in the town, known for her ability to create simple yet delicious dishes using the bounty of her garden. One summer, when the tomatoes were particularly abundant, she had experimented with different combinations of herbs and spices until she finally came up with the perfect tomato salad recipe.

Margaret's great-grandmother had canned jars of the salad to enjoy throughout the year, and the tradition had been passed down through the generations. Margaret had learned to make the salad from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on.

As Margaret shared the recipe with me, I could see the passion and love she had for both the dish and the story behind it. She explained that the key to the salad's success was using the freshest, ripest tomatoes, along with a medley of herbs and spices that complemented their natural sweetness.

I watched closely as Margaret chopped the tomatoes, onions, and garlic, adding them to a large mixing bowl. She then sprinkled in a generous amount of fresh basil, parsley, and oregano, along with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. The colors and aromas mingled together, creating a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

After mixing everything together gently, Margaret carefully ladled the salad into sterilized jars, making sure to leave enough room for the liquid to cover the ingredients. She then sealed the jars tightly and placed them in a large pot of boiling water to process.

As we waited for the jars to cool, Margaret regaled me with stories of her great-grandmother and the meals she had cooked for her family and friends. She spoke of the joy and satisfaction that came from sharing food made with love and care, and I couldn't help but feel inspired by her words.

Finally, the jars were ready, and Margaret opened one to reveal the vibrant red and green hues of the salad inside. She scooped a spoonful onto a plate and handed it to me, urging me to taste the fruits of her labor.

The first bite was a revelation - the tomatoes burst with flavor, the herbs danced on my tongue, and the olive oil added a subtle richness that tied everything together. I could taste the history and tradition in every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

As I left Margaret's house that day, with a jar of Ojai Canned Tomato Salad in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to learn a recipe that had been passed down through generations. I knew that I would continue to make this salad for years to come, sharing the story of its origins with anyone who would listen.

And so, whenever I prepare Ojai Canned Tomato Salad now, I think of Margaret and her great-grandmother, and I feel connected to a long line of women who have cherished and celebrated the simple joy of cooking for those they love. The recipe may have been stumbled upon by chance, but the memories and traditions that come with it are now a cherished part of my own family history.

Categories

| Cathy's Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Salad Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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