Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad

Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad Recipe - Ingredients and Instructions

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for a barbecue. This simple salad is bursting with flavor and is a great way to showcase the fresh produce of the season.

History

This classic salad has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and peppers is not only delicious but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. It is believed that this salad originated in the Mediterranean region, where these ingredients are abundant and readily available.

Ingredients

1 large onion, thinly sliced
salt
2 large fresh, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced
plenty of freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil

How to prepare

Place the onion slices in a small bowl and toss them with 1 tsp of salt.
Allow them to stand for 25 minutes, then rinse them under cold running water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Arrange the tomato, pepper, and onion slices in alternating layers in a shallow serving bowl, sprinkling each layer with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the vegetables with the vinegar and oil, and gently toss them.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 1 hour before serving.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Mix in some crumbled feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweeter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the vegetables thinly to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the vinegar and oil.

- Allow the onions to sit in salt for 25 minutes to help mellow out their sharp flavor.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with crusty bread or as a topping for bruschetta.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply slice the vegetables and toss them with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green for a different flavor.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for the red wine vinegar.

- Use shallots instead of onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large shallow bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Onions are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Green bell peppers are high in vitamin C and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. Packed with fresh flavors and nutrients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend's grandmother in her cozy little kitchen. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air as she busily chopped and diced vegetables for a salad that looked like a work of art.

As I watched her work, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise. She moved with such grace and precision, her hands moving deftly as she added each ingredient to the bowl. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this salad myself.

After she finished preparing the salad, my friend's grandmother sat me down at the kitchen table and began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She spoke of how the combination of fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, and colorful peppers came together to create a dish that was not only delicious but also bursting with health benefits.

I listened intently as she shared her knowledge with me, taking mental notes on each step of the process. She explained that the key to making a perfect Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad was to use only the freshest ingredients and to let the flavors marinate together for at least an hour before serving.

As she spoke, I could see the passion in her eyes and hear the love in her voice. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to be entrusted with it.

Once she had finished explaining the recipe to me, my friend's grandmother handed me a pen and paper and told me to write it down. She wanted me to have a tangible reminder of our time together and the knowledge that she had passed on to me.

I eagerly jotted down each ingredient and measurement, making sure to capture every detail so that I could replicate the salad at home. As I wrote, I could feel the excitement building inside me, knowing that I was about to embark on a culinary journey that would bring me closer to my friend's grandmother and her rich culinary heritage.

After I had finished writing down the recipe, my friend's grandmother smiled and patted my hand. She told me that she had faith in me and knew that I would do her proud. With a warm hug and a promise to visit again soon, I left her kitchen feeling inspired and ready to tackle the challenge of making Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad on my own.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe to the letter, chopping, dicing, and mixing with care and attention to detail. The colors of the tomatoes, onions, and peppers popped against the white bowl, creating a visual feast that was almost too beautiful to eat.

As the salad marinated in the refrigerator, I couldn't help but think back to my time with my friend's grandmother. I remembered her gentle guidance and wise words, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

When it was finally time to taste the salad, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and savored the first bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue, each ingredient blending together in perfect harmony. The sweetness of the onions, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the crunch of the peppers all combined to create a dish that was truly a masterpiece.

As I ate, I thought of my friend's grandmother and the legacy that she had entrusted to me. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the bond that we shared and the love that had been passed down through the years.

And so, every time I make Tomato, Onion, and Pepper Salad, I think of my friend's grandmother and the day that she taught me how to create a dish that is not only delicious but also a connection to the past. It is a recipe that has brought me closer to my culinary roots and has inspired me to continue exploring the rich tapestry of flavors that make up our shared heritage.