If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that celebrates the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe tomatoes, look no further than My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe. This salad is a simple yet stunning ensemble of garden-fresh tomatoes, aromatic shallots, fragrant basil, and just the right splash of vinegar and olive oil, making it a perfect side or light meal on its own. Every bite bursts with balanced flavors and textures that instantly brighten up any table, turning everyday ingredients into a sensational experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a melody of fresh, tangy, and herbaceous notes. These basic components not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color and texture to the dish.
- 4 ripe tomatoes (180g/6oz each): Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 1/2 tsp finely minced eschalots: These add a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch, elevating the salad without overpowering it.
- 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic: Use a knife to finely chop the garlic to avoid bitterness from a garlic press and to maintain a smooth flavor.
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar: This brings a bright acid touch that balances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: The quality here is key; it adds richness and smoothness, perfectly binding all ingredients.
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Just enough to draw out the tomato juices and enhance flavors across the board.
- 2 pinches white pepper: A gentle heat that complements without overwhelming the delicate tastes.
- 1 1/2 tbsp finely sliced basil leaves: Fresh basil adds aromatic depth and a burst of herbal freshness; reserve a bit for garnish.
How to Make My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by cutting your ripe tomatoes into 8 to 10 wedges, carefully removing the core to ensure every bite is tender and juicy. Placing them in a large bowl makes it easy to toss and coat them in the next steps.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Sprinkle the finely minced eschalots, garlic, salt, and white pepper evenly over the tomato wedges. These aromatic additions infuse the tomatoes with subtle depth and awaken the salad’s flavors.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar directly over the tomatoes, then gently toss the salad to coat every wedge in this vibrant dressing. Adding the finely sliced basil leaves at this point and tossing again helps distribute their fresh herbal essence beautifully throughout the dish.
Step 4: Plate and Serve Immediately
Transfer the dressed tomatoes into a serving bowl or plate right away so you can enjoy their freshness at peak flavor. This salad is best eaten immediately while the tomatoes are bursting with juice. Don’t forget to pair it with crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of the delicious dressing!
How to Serve My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra basil leaves on top as a garnish not only gives your salad a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh aroma that invites you to dig in. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil over just before serving adds a silky gloss that makes the salad look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad naturally complements a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing summer meal. It’s also perfect with a platter of cheeses or alongside a hearty pasta to lighten things up. The fresh acidity cuts through rich, creamy flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the tomato wedges in a shallow glass bowl with whole basil leaves in between for an eye-catching presentation. Or serve the salad on individual plates with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or toasted pine nuts for added texture and interest. This simple salad invites creativity, so feel free to play around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day. The tomatoes will release more juice over time, softening the texture and diluting the fresh flavors, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended as tomatoes lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. The fresh, crisp quality that makes My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe so special simply can’t be preserved through freezing.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary and generally not advised since this salad shines when served cold or at room temperature. Warm temperatures can diminish the brightness of the flavors and wilt the basil.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Heirloom, cherry, or even plum tomatoes work well. Just opt for varieties that are ripe and flavorful as they form the base of this salad’s taste.
What can I substitute for eschalots if I don’t have any?
Shallots have a mild onion flavor, so you can use a small amount of finely chopped red onion or green onion as a substitute, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan or vegetarian-friendly?
My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian since it contains no animal products—it’s perfectly plant-based and delicious!
Can I add other herbs to the salad?
Yes! Fresh herbs like mint, oregano, or parsley can bring new layers of flavor, but basil remains the star player. Experiment with small amounts to see what suits your palate best.
How long does the salad stay fresh after making?
For the best flavor and texture, eat it immediately. If needed, keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 24 hours to enjoy the tomatoes while they’re still firm and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe—its elegant simplicity, the fresh burst of tomato goodness combined with aromatic basil and a perfect balance of seasoning really makes it a kitchen staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how quickly this colorful salad can become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any season. Trust me, once you do, it will become your favorite way to celebrate fresh tomatoes too!
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My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant tomato salad featuring ripe tomatoes, delicate shallots, garlic, and fragrant basil, dressed with white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light starter or a side dish and showcases the natural flavors of summer tomatoes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes (each about 180g/6oz)
- 1 1/2 tsp finely minced eschalots (shallots)
- 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic (use a knife, not a garlic press)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt (or cooking salt)
- 2 pinches white pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp finely sliced basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into 8 to 10 wedges each, carefully removing the core. Place all the wedges into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the finely minced eschalots and garlic evenly over the tomatoes. Season with kosher salt and white pepper to taste. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar over the mixture.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together to evenly coat the tomato wedges in the dressing. Then add the finely sliced basil leaves and toss lightly again to distribute the basil throughout the salad.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate and serve right away. For an added touch, accompany with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices.
Notes
- Use the freshest and ripest tomatoes available, as they are the star ingredient.
- Minced eschalots add a mild onion flavor; shallots may be used as an alternative.
- Avoid using a garlic press to mince the garlic to prevent bitterness; finely chop with a knife instead.
- Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant herbal note; slice them thinly to distribute flavor evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and freshness—letting it sit can cause the tomatoes to become soggy.
- Pair with rustic bread for a delicious way to savor the dressing and tomato juices.
