Simple Tomato Salad

Italian Tomato Salad Recipe with Garlic and Basil

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tomato salad is a simple and refreshing dish that highlights the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to accompany a main course.

History

Tomato salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cuisines around the world. The combination of tomatoes, olive oil, and vinegar has been a classic flavor profile for generations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ripe juicy tomatoes
0.5 clove of garlic
1 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
handful of fresh basil leaves, torn in half
garlic croutons or torn pieces of crusty bread, toasted or not (optional)

How to prepare

1. Wash and core the tomatoes. Cut them into thick slices.
2. Peel the garlic. In the serving bowl, use the tips of a fork to rub the garlic and make a puree. Then, add the vinegar and oil.
3. Add the tomatoes to the bowl, gently tossing them to coat with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Scatter the torn basil leaves on top of the salad.
5. If desired, add croutons or pieces of bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Variations

Add diced cucumbers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or pesto for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Be sure to season the salad with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

- Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tomato salad as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking - simply slice the tomatoes and mix with the dressing ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes for a different flavor profile. You can also use white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the tomatoes ahead of time, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too watery.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tomato salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Tomato salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover tomato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of tomato salad typically contains around 100-150 calories, depending on the size of the portion.

Carbohydrates

Tomato salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

Tomato salad is not a significant source of protein, but you can add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and other essential minerals.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the optional bread.

Summary

Tomato salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tomato salad is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of fresh flavors. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the bounty of summer tomatoes and is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was back in the summer of 1965 when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My Nonna Maria, who was known for her delicious cooking, had just returned from a visit to her cousin's farm. She brought back a basket full of ripe, juicy tomatoes that were bursting with flavor.

As soon as I saw those beautiful tomatoes, I knew that I had to learn how to make something special with them. Nonna Maria noticed the twinkle in my eye and smiled knowingly. She knew that I had a passion for cooking just like her. So, she took me under her wing and taught me how to make a simple tomato salad that would become a staple in our family for years to come.

The first step was to carefully wash and slice the tomatoes into thin, round pieces. Nonna Maria showed me how to use a sharp knife and make sure that each slice was uniform in size. She said that the key to a good tomato salad was to have each piece of tomato be the same thickness so that they would all absorb the flavors of the dressing evenly.

Next, we prepared the dressing for the salad. Nonna Maria taught me how to make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. She explained that the acidity of the vinegar would help to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the salt and pepper would enhance their natural flavors.

Once the dressing was ready, we drizzled it over the sliced tomatoes and gently tossed everything together. Nonna Maria showed me how to be gentle so that the tomatoes wouldn't break apart, but still be coated evenly in the vinaigrette. She said that it was important to treat the ingredients with care and respect, just like we would our family.

As we sat down to enjoy the simple tomato salad, I was amazed at how such a basic dish could be so delicious. The sweetness of the tomatoes paired perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Nonna Maria smiled at me and said, "Cooking is like magic, my dear. With a few simple ingredients and a lot of love, you can create something truly special."

From that day on, I made the simple tomato salad for my family whenever we had fresh tomatoes from the garden. It became a beloved dish that we would enjoy at every meal, whether it was served as a side dish with pasta or as a refreshing snack on a hot summer day. I always made sure to follow Nonna Maria's instructions carefully, knowing that the secret to a good tomato salad was in the details.

Over the years, I would add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. But no matter how I changed it, the simple tomato salad always remained a reminder of that special day when Nonna Maria first shared her cooking wisdom with me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and fresh basil, I can't help but smile as I prepare the simple tomato salad for my grandchildren. I know that one day, they too will carry on the tradition of making this beloved dish, passing down the recipe and the memories to future generations.

Cooking is more than just preparing food – it's about creating connections, preserving traditions, and sharing love. And for me, the simple tomato salad will always be a reminder of the magic that happens in the kitchen when we cook with our hearts.