Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad

Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe from Canada

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of sweet yellow pear tomatoes and juicy cherry tomatoes, paired with a tangy vinaigrette, creates a delicious and healthy salad that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic tomato salad. The use of both yellow pear tomatoes and cherry tomatoes adds a variety of flavors and textures to the dish. The vinaigrette dressing gives the salad a zesty kick, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp sherry wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tbsp minced shallots
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
0.25 tsp salt
0.13 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1.5 cups yellow pear tomatoes, halved
1.5 cups orange cherry tomatoes, halved
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 large fresh basil leaves, cut into slender ribbons

How to prepare

To make the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar and shallot in a small bowl and let it stand for fifteen minutes.
Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and whisk until well blended.
In a large serving or salad bowl, toss together all the tomatoes.
Pour the vinaigrette over the tomatoes, add the basil shreds, and gently toss to mix well and coat evenly.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous for added protein and fiber.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweeter flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the vinaigrette stand for fifteen minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.

- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to halve the tomatoes evenly to ensure a consistent texture in the salad.

- Gently toss the salad to avoid crushing the tomatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar in place of the red wine vinegar.

- Substitute red onion for shallots if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vinaigrette and chop the tomatoes ahead of time, but wait to toss the salad until just before serving to prevent it from becoming too watery.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the tomatoes. - Garnish with additional basil leaves for a fresh and herbaceous touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish.

- Serve with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing rosé.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Do not freeze as the tomatoes will become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Potassium: 6% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and nutritious option for a side dish or light meal.

Summary

Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I had spent the morning wandering through the local farmer's market, picking out the freshest produce for our family meal. As I meandered through the stalls, I came across a vendor selling the most vibrant yellow pears and cherry tomatoes I had ever seen.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile. She told me that these were her special varieties of fruits, grown with love and care on her small farm just outside of town. Intrigued, I asked her if she had any recipe ideas for these beautiful ingredients.

Her eyes lit up at the question, and she began to regale me with tales of her grandmother's kitchen, where she had learned the art of cooking from a young age. She shared with me a recipe for a Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad that had been passed down through generations in her family.

As she spoke, I could sense her passion for food and tradition, and I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe. I thanked her profusely for sharing it with me and hurried home to try it out for myself.

The ingredients were simple yet flavorful – ripe yellow pears, plump cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. As I chopped and mixed, I could almost feel the presence of the vendor's grandmother guiding my hands, whispering secrets of seasoning and balance.

When I finally took my first bite of the salad, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The sweetness of the pears mingled with the acidity of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the feta complemented the earthy basil, and the vinaigrette tied it all together with a burst of citrusy brightness.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a symbol of the connection between food, family, and tradition. Over the years, I have made this salad countless times, each batch a tribute to the vendor and her grandmother, who had so generously shared their culinary wisdom with me.

As I sit here now, preparing this salad once again for a family gathering, I can't help but reflect on the power of food to bring people together, to evoke memories of the past and create new ones for the future. I am grateful for the chance encounter with that vendor all those years ago, for the recipe that has become a beloved tradition in our family, and for the joy of cooking that continues to inspire me every day.

And so, as I serve this Yellow Pear and Cherry Tomato Salad to my loved ones, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of adventure, ready to discover new recipes and create new memories in the kitchen. The journey of cooking is never-ending, and I am eager to see where it will take me next.