Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette

Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe - Vegan Food

| Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of juicy tomatoes, citrusy orange, and aromatic cilantro creates a delicious and vibrant salad that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic tomato salad, which has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The addition of the orange cilantro vinaigrette adds a unique and refreshing flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients

3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest, grated
1 tbsp lemon zest, grated
0.5 tsp paprika
0.25 cup cilantro, chopped

How to prepare

Arrange 3 slices of tomatoes on each plate.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, orange juice, orange zest, lemon zest, paprika, and cilantro.
Drizzle the dressing over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
Substitute lime juice for the orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of orange juice and zest to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the dressing for a few hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking and is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Simply slice the tomatoes, whisk together the dressing, and assemble the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cilantro on hand, you can use parsley or mint as a substitute. You can also use olive oil instead of canola or vegetable oil for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply drizzle it over the tomatoes right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tomato slices in a circular pattern on a plate and drizzle the dressing in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish. A glass of chilled white wine or a citrusy cocktail would also complement the flavors of the salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes may release some liquid, so drain before serving. Do not freeze as the texture of the tomatoes will change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, thanks to the tomatoes and orange juice.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you have allergies to citrus fruits or cilantro, please proceed with caution.

Summary

Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbs and calories, making it a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Tomato Salad with Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a backyard barbecue. As we sat around the table, chatting and laughing, Maria brought out a colorful bowl of tomato salad with orange cilantro vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and fresh aroma caught my attention right away.

Maria explained to me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She told me that the key to making the perfect vinaigrette was to use fresh, ripe tomatoes and to balance the flavors of the sweet oranges and tangy cilantro just right.

I couldn't wait to try it, and with the first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and over the years, I have perfected it to suit my own tastes.

The journey to mastering this recipe was not an easy one. I spent countless hours experimenting with different proportions of oranges, cilantro, and vinegar, trying to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. I made mistakes along the way, but each failure only fueled my determination to get it right.

One of the most memorable experiences I had while perfecting this recipe was when I invited my own grandmother over to taste my latest batch. As she took her first bite, her eyes lit up with delight. She told me that the flavors reminded her of her own childhood, growing up in a small village in Italy. It was then that I knew I had truly captured the essence of this dish.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors. It became a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that everyone looked forward to.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of tomato salad with orange cilantro vinaigrette, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This recipe has become a part of me, a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for creating delicious meals for those I care about.

I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful dish and for inspiring me to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. I am also grateful to my grandmother, whose own love for cooking has been passed down to me through recipes like this one.

As I take a taste of the finished salad, I am transported back to that sunny day at Maria's house, surrounded by friends and laughter. The flavors are perfect, the balance just right. And as I savor each bite, I am reminded of the joy that cooking brings me, and the memories that food can create.

I will continue to make this tomato salad with orange cilantro vinaigrette for years to come, sharing it with those I love and passing it down to future generations. It is a recipe that has brought me closer to my family, my friends, and my heritage, and for that, I am truly grateful.