Summer Tomato Salad

New England Summer Tomato Salad Recipe with Mozzarella

Region / culture: New England | Servings: 4

Introduction

Summer Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of ripe tomatoes. This simple yet delicious salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Tomato salads have been enjoyed for centuries, with tomatoes being a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. This particular recipe combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the tangy flavor of pickled onions and the richness of cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) thinly-sliced red onion (1 large)
0.5 cup distilled white vinegar
0.5 cup olive oil
season salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
6 medium vine-ripened beefsteak tomatoes, thickly sliced
6 oz (170 g) grated mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Place the onions in a small mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the vinegar to a boil. Once it boils, pour it over the onions. Allow it to cool.
Once cooled, drain the vinegar from the onions into a food processor or blender. While the machine is running, gradually add the olive oil until all the oil has been added and the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Arrange the tomato slices on each serving plate. Place the onions on top of the tomatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Just before serving, drizzle 2 tbsp of the vinaigrette on each plate.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Substitute the cheese with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Pickling the onions adds a tangy kick to the salad.

- Grating the cheese just before serving ensures maximum freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Summer Tomato Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Pickling the onions adds a tangy flavor to the salad.

- Drizzling the vinaigrette just before serving ensures maximum freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute cherry tomatoes for vine-ripened tomatoes for a different presentation.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pickled onions and vinaigrette ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tomato slices in a circular pattern on a serving plate and top with the pickled onions and cheese for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Summer Tomato Salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer for a refreshing summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat as the tomatoes may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Summer Tomato Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Summer Tomato Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Summer Tomato Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Summer Tomato Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Summer Tomato Salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, while also being a good source of fats and proteins.

Summary

Summer Tomato Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the flavors of ripe tomatoes. With a tangy vinaigrette, pickled onions, and grated cheese, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon a small, quaint farmers market while on a walk through the neighborhood. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce caught my eye, and I couldn't resist stopping to take a closer look.

As I browsed the various stalls, an elderly woman with a kind smile beckoned me over to her stand. She had a twinkle in her eye as she showed me the most beautiful tomatoes I had ever seen. They were plump and juicy, with a rich red hue that seemed to glisten in the sunlight. She explained to me that these tomatoes were grown organically and with love, and she suggested that I try them in a simple salad with a few other fresh ingredients.

Intrigued by her suggestion, I asked her for the recipe. She chuckled softly and said that she didn't follow any specific measurements, but rather relied on her instincts and taste buds to guide her. She shared with me the key ingredients – ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fruity olive oil – and encouraged me to experiment and make it my own.

I purchased a few of the gorgeous tomatoes, along with some basil and a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and headed home to try my hand at creating the summer tomato salad. I carefully sliced the tomatoes into thick wedges, tearing the basil leaves into small pieces and tossing them together in a bowl. I drizzled the balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top, sprinkling a pinch of salt and pepper to finish it off.

With a sense of anticipation, I took my first bite of the salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the basil, the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar. It was a symphony of tastes that danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.

From that moment on, the summer tomato salad became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy afternoons. Each time, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a handful of mozzarella cheese or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to create new flavor combinations.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its simplicity and deliciousness. They would often ask me where I had learned to make such a delightful dish, and I would smile and think back to that fateful day at the farmers market.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened, and I found myself collecting recipes from various places and people. Each one held a special place in my heart, but the summer tomato salad remained my favorite. It was a dish that brought me joy and comfort, reminding me of sunny days and the simple pleasures of life.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen preparing the salad once again, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter so many years ago. It taught me not only how to make a delicious dish but also the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and following my intuition in the kitchen.

As I take a bite of the salad, I am transported back to that summer day at the farmers market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bustling stalls. The taste of the ripe tomatoes, the aroma of the fragrant basil – it all comes flooding back, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and contentment.

And as I sit down to enjoy my meal, I can't help but think of the elderly woman who first introduced me to the recipe. I like to imagine that she is somewhere out there, smiling down on me as I savor each bite, grateful for the simple pleasures that food can bring. And I know that no matter where life takes me, the summer tomato salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of a delicious dish to bring people together.