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Simple Tomato Salad

Simple Tomato Salad
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Simple Tomato Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that showcases the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes combined with fresh herbs and simple seasoning. Perfect as a healthy, colorful side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats, pastas, and more, delivering crisp textures and bright flavors in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

  • Ripe tomatoes (a mix of varieties), about 4 cups, chopped or sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup, torn
  • Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
  • Sea salt, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Optional Ingredients

  • Red onion, 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Choose and Prepare Your Tomatoes: Start by selecting ripe, juicy tomatoes. Wash them thoroughly, then slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces depending on your preference. Combining different tomato varieties can add color and flavor depth.
  2. Add Fresh Herbs and Optional Ingredients: Tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces and add them to the tomatoes. If you like a bit of crunch, thinly slice some red onion and mix it in carefully.
  3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the mixture. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, then season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Toss and Rest: Gently toss all ingredients together so everything is evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use the best tomatoes: Flavor and freshness matter most, so choose in-season, ripe tomatoes.
  • Salt early: Salt helps draw out tomato juices, intensifying taste—season right after chopping.
  • Avoid overmixing: Gentle tossing preserves tomato shape and prevents mushiness.
  • Serve at room temperature: This allows the flavors to stand out more than a cold salad.
  • Fresh herbs: Always add herbs last to keep their vibrant color and fragrance.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, draining excess liquid before serving.
  • Freezing is not recommended as tomato texture will be compromised.

Nutrition

Keywords: simple tomato salad, fresh tomato salad, easy summer salad, healthy side dish, no cook salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://withnora.com/simple-tomato-salad/