Description
Mediterranean freshness shines through this tomato garlic salad, blending ripe tomatoes with zesty garlic and fragrant herbs. Crisp ingredients and simple dressing promise a delightful culinary journey that will transport you straight to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (Roma, cherry, or heirloom)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice for brightness)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Garnish and Toppings:
- ¼ cup (10 grams) fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (30 grams) crumbled feta or mozzarella pearls
- 1 tablespoon (10 grams) toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Select ripe, vibrant tomatoes and carefully slice them into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring even texture and appearance.
- Peel and mince fresh garlic cloves into fine, delicate pieces to release their robust, aromatic essence.
- Transfer the chopped tomatoes into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a bright, colorful base for the salad.
- Sprinkle the finely minced garlic over the tomatoes, allowing the pungent fragments to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle with high-quality olive oil to enhance the salad’s rich, silky consistency and provide a smooth, luxurious undertone.
- Generously season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully balancing the flavors to complement the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Gently toss the ingredients using a broad, sweeping motion to ensure thorough integration without crushing the delicate tomato pieces.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch to the dish.
Notes
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Select a mix of heirloom or colorful tomato varieties to create visual appeal and depth of taste.
- Slice tomatoes just before serving to prevent them from becoming watery and losing their crisp texture.
- For a smoother chopping experience, use a sharp serrated knife to prevent crushing the delicate tomato flesh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg