Southwest Tomato Salad
Southwest Tomato Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful Salad with Greens and Tomatoes
Introduction
Southwest Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, olives, jalapenos, and red beans with a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
History
The Southwest Tomato Salad is a modern twist on traditional tomato salads, incorporating ingredients commonly found in Southwestern cuisine such as jalapenos, cilantro, and cumin. This salad is a celebration of the fresh and bold flavors of the Southwest region of the United States.
Ingredients
- 2 cups salad greens
- 6 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 0.25 cup black olives, sliced
- 0.25 cup green olives, sliced
- 2 jalapenos, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 0.25 cup cooked red beans
- 0.25 cup italian dressing
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 10 baked corn tortilla chips, roughly crushed
How to prepare
- In a bowl, combine the dressing, cilantro, and cumin. Add the tomatoes, black olives, green olives, jalapenos, green onions, red beans, and red onion.
- Allow the mixture to marinate for one hour.
- To serve, place salad greens in a bowl and pour the marinated mixture over them. Sprinkle with crushed corn tortilla chips.
Variations
- Add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Substitute black beans for red beans for a different flavor profile.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice preference.
- For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate for a longer period of time before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Marinating the salad ingredients allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious and cohesive dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have jalapenos, you can use bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Southwest Tomato Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos or nachos.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 150 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 8g per serving
Saturated Fat: 1g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 4g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains olives and may not be suitable for those with olive allergies.
Summary
This Southwest Tomato Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Southwest Tomato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the bold flavors of the Southwest region. With a mix of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Southwest Tomato Salad. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I had just finished tending to my garden. The sun was beating down on me as I picked a ripe, juicy tomato off the vine and took a bite. The flavor was so fresh and delicious that it inspired me to create a new dish using the bounty of my garden.
As I stood there, pondering what to make, my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins came over with a basket of vegetables from her own garden. She had an abundance of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, and suggested we make a salad together. I eagerly agreed, excited to learn a new recipe from her.
We spent the afternoon chopping, mixing, and tasting as we created the most delicious Southwest Tomato Salad I had ever tasted. The combination of ripe tomatoes, spicy peppers, and tangy onions was a revelation to me. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.
Mrs. Jenkins generously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail. She told me how she had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I felt honored to be entrusted with such a treasured family recipe.
I went home that day with a newfound passion for cooking and a determination to perfect the Southwest Tomato Salad. I made it for my family that night, and they couldn't get enough of it. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, especially during the summer months when the garden was overflowing with fresh produce.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor, black beans for added protein, and avocado for a creamy texture. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we formed over a simple salad.
As I continued to hone my culinary skills, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about it. They encouraged me to enter it into local cooking competitions, where it won numerous awards and accolades. I was proud to have created a dish that brought joy and satisfaction to so many people.
One summer, my daughter's friend from college came to visit and tried the Southwest Tomato Salad for the first time. She was so impressed by the flavors and textures that she begged me to teach her how to make it. I happily obliged, passing down the recipe to a new generation of cooks.
As the years went by, I continued to make the Southwest Tomato Salad for every family gathering, picnic, and potluck. It became my signature dish, the one everyone looked forward to tasting. I even started selling it at the local farmers' market, where it quickly became a bestseller.
Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have inspired me along the way. From Mrs. Jenkins to my daughter's friend, each person has played a role in shaping my love for cooking and creating delicious dishes.
I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making Southwest Tomato Salad and pass it down to their own children. I believe that food has the power to bring people together, create memories, and evoke emotions unlike anything else.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a flavorful and refreshing salad to brighten your day, look no further than my Southwest Tomato Salad. It's more than just a recipe – it's a story of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with those you care about. Enjoy!