Tomato Salad

Tomato Salad Recipe - Fresh & Delicious | USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tomato salad is a refreshing and simple dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. The combination of fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, relish, mayonnaise, and Ritz crackers creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of tomato salad are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to showcase the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer produce. Over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged, with each cook adding their own twist to the classic dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Layer the chopped tomatoes in a fairly thick layer.
Layer the chopped bell peppers in a thin to medium thick layer.
Layer the sweet pickles or relish in a thin or medium thick layer.
Top with a layer of mayonnaise.
Finally, add a layer of finely crushed Ritz crackers.
Cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations

Add diced red onion or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Use different types of relish or pickles to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Make sure to chop the ingredients into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and relish to suit your taste preferences.

- For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious tomato salad is to let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex and delicious taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers instead. You can also use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods in the fridge.

Presentation Ideas

Serve tomato salad in a glass bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra crushed Ritz crackers on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tomato salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It also goes well with pasta dishes or as a topping for bruschetta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover tomato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tomato salad contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Tomato salad is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the tomatoes and bell peppers. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in tomato salad comes from the mayonnaise and Ritz crackers. Each serving contains around 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Tomato salad is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing only 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium from the tomatoes and bell peppers.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs (mayonnaise) and gluten (Ritz crackers), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Tomato salad is a light and flavorful dish that is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Tomato salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. With fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, relish, mayonnaise, and Ritz crackers, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her beautiful garden. She had just picked a fresh batch of ripe tomatoes and was eager to show me her favorite way to enjoy them: a simple and delicious tomato salad.

Maria explained to me that this recipe was passed down to her from her own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It was a family tradition that had been cherished for generations, and Maria was excited to share it with me.

As we sat at her kitchen table, Maria began to chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. She added a generous amount of fresh basil leaves, some thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, she drizzled the salad with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, giving it a tangy and flavorful kick.

I took a bite of the salad and was immediately blown away by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the basil, the sharpness of the onion, and the zing of the vinegar all came together in perfect harmony. It was simple yet incredibly delicious, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was more than happy to teach me the recipe, and we spent the rest of the afternoon making batch after batch of tomato salad. She showed me the importance of using only the freshest and ripest tomatoes, as well as the significance of balancing the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and the countless hours I had spent with my own grandmother learning her recipes. She was the one who had sparked my love for cooking and had instilled in me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients.

I remembered the days when she would take me to the local farmer's market to pick out the ripest tomatoes and the freshest herbs. She would patiently show me how to chop, slice, and season, all the while sharing stories of her own mother and the recipes that had been passed down through the generations.

It was in those moments that I learned the true joy of cooking – the joy of creating something delicious and comforting, the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the joy of carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the years.

And so, as I stood in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of fresh tomatoes and herbs, I felt a deep sense of connection to my own grandmother and the legacy of recipes that she had left behind. I knew that this tomato salad would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me.

As I left Maria's house that day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the special moment that had brought me this delicious recipe. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the traditions that make us who we are.

And so, as I prepared to make my own batch of tomato salad at home, I knew that I would always hold onto this recipe and the memories that came with it. It was a simple dish, but it held within it a world of flavor, tradition, and love – all of which I would carry with me every time I made it.