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Tomato Salad

Tomato Salad
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A fresh and vibrant classic Tomato Salad featuring juicy sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, and a simple tangy dressing of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. This easy and healthy salad is perfect for quick meals, summer barbecues, or as a light side dish. It’s customizable with optional cheese or extra veggies and delivers bright flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or sliced fresh mozzarella
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash your tomatoes thoroughly and slice them according to type—halves for cherry tomatoes, thin wedges for larger heirlooms. This ensures every bite is juicy and well-textured.
  2. Slice Onions and Chop Herbs: Thinly slice the red onion to avoid overpowering sharpness, and roughly chop fresh basil leaves. These aromatic components add depth and freshness to the salad.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: Gently toss the tomatoes, onions, and basil together in a large bowl, mixing carefully so you don’t bruise the tomatoes and keep the salad vibrant.
  4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Toss again briefly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Optional Cheese and Serve: If you’re using feta or mozzarella, crumble or slice it on top just before serving for creamy bursts of flavor in every bite.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
  • Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld.
  • Chill before serving to enhance the refreshing taste.
  • Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato salad, fresh salad, summer recipe, healthy side dish, easy salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian, gluten free

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/tomato-salad/