This simple tomato salad isn’t just visually stunning with its medley of vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves; it also delivers a clean and delightful flavor. Easy Tomato Salad recipe will make summer more refreshing and keep loved ones refreshed on hot tropical days.
Simple Summer Tomato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -6 Ripe tomatoes (use a variety of colors and types for a visually appealing salad)
- 1/2 Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 Cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2/3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: mozzarella cheese, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, capers, or avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can slice them, dice them, or even use a mix of different shapes for a more interesting presentation.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain well.
- Tear the Basil: Tear or chop the fresh basil leaves into small pieces. Basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, and torn basil leaves. If you're adding any optional ingredients like mozzarella cheese, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, capers, or avocado, add them at this stage.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar) over the salad. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to your taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Gently: Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad, making sure the tomatoes are coated with the dressing and the other ingredients are well distributed.
- Chill: Place the salad in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve: Once the salad is properly chilled, serve it as a side dish or even as a light main course. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your refreshing tomato salad on a hot summer day! It's perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone meal with some crusty bread.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences. This tomato salad is very versatile, and you can experiment with different types of tomatoes and additional ingredients to suit your taste.
Tomatoes – The Crown Jewel of Summer
Tomatoes are the undisputed stars of any summer salad. Bathed in the sunlight, they ripen into juicy, sweet, and nutrition-packed wonders. Don’t hesitate to use various tomato varieties to bring diversity to your salad. Beefsteak, cherry, and heirloom tomatoes can all come together to create a fascinating ensemble.
The Freshness of Natural Flavors
Basil, with its fragrant aroma and slightly sweet taste, is a crucial ingredient in this tomato salad. Fresh basil leaves release a delightful aroma that’s second to none. They not only add a burst of color and flavor but also symbolize the freshness of summer.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content
This tomato salad is highly customizable to suit your personal palate. Add mozzarella cheese for a creamy touch, or toss in some cool cucumbers for extra crunch. If you prefer a tangy twist, opt for red wine vinegar instead of balsamic.
Embrace Summer with Tomato Salad
Tomato salad is a harmonious blend of flavor and summer freshness. Try making this dish for a family gathering, a picnic with friends, or even a romantic dinner under the starry summer sky.
Remember, this easy tomato salad recipe is a breeze to prepare, so you can enjoy it anytime you please. Recipecookonline hope that with this simple tomato salad recipes, you will enjoy this fresh tomato salad and enjoy energetic summer days!