Welcome to a burst of fresh flavors with Beverly's Italian Tomato Salad! This vibrant dish is not just a salad; it's a celebration of summer's finest produce, combining juicy ripe tomatoes, zesty red onion, and fragrant basil in a delightful vinaigrette. In just 15 minutes, you can create a refreshing side that will impress your guests and elevate any meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a light, healthy option, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, core the tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized, roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Place the chopped tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. If the slices are too sharp, you can soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Gently rinse the fresh basil leaves under cool water and pat them dry. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and then slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
- Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped basil to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato, onion, and basil mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently to distribute the seasoning.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and transfer to a serving platter or individual plates.
- For best flavor, serve the salad immediately at room temperature, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom varieties can add unique tastes and colors to your salad.
- Slice the Onion with Care: If the raw onion flavor is too strong for your palate, soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow its sharpness.
- Chiffonade the Basil: To achieve beautiful basil ribbons, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them thinly. This technique not only looks elegant but also releases the basil's aromatic oils.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving enhances the flavors, making each bite more delicious.
- Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the salad immediately after preparing it. The freshness of the ingredients is key to this dish’s appeal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
