Marinated Tomato Salad

Nothing says summer like a vibrant Marinated Tomato Salad, bursting with juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of tangy dressing. Picture this: a bowl of colorful heirloom tomatoes glistening in the sunlight, their sweet aroma wafting through the air, ready to tantalize your taste buds. perfect side for summer meals. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

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I remember the first time I made this salad for a family barbecue. My cousin took one bite and declared it “a party in my mouth!” It’s perfect for warm evenings on the patio or as a delightful side dish for any gathering. healthy vegetable side option Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds!

One memorable summer evening, I served this salad to friends during a casual get-together, and they couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, juicy varieties like heirloom or vine-ripened for the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh Basil: Use aromatic basil leaves; they add a fragrant kick that elevates the salad.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil; it enhances the flavors and adds richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Use aged balsamic vinegar for depth and sweetness; it perfectly complements the tomatoes. a sweet contrast to savory.
• Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground salt and pepper bring out all the natural flavors of your ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all your fresh ingredients on the countertop. This way, you won’t scramble around mid-preparation searching for that elusive basil leaf.

Chop Those Tomatoes: Dice your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they marinate evenly while releasing their juices.

Add Fresh Herbs: Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes. Their fragrance will elevate your salad to new heights.

Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar until combined. The rich aroma should make your mouth water in anticipation.

Toss It All Together: Drizzle your dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes – this allows flavors to mingle beautifully.

Serve It Up!: Scoop generous portions into bowls or serve directly from the mixing bowl at your next gathering. Watch guests dive in with excitement as they discover that burst of flavor!

Enjoying this Marinated Tomato Salad is more than just about eating; it’s about savoring moments filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food! great protein pairing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by marinating the tomatoes in advance. Allow them to soak up all those delicious flavors while preparing your other ingredients.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add ingredients like mozzarella or olives for added flavor and texture. Experiment with different oils and vinegars for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover marinated tomato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve it cold for freshness. For more inspiration, check out this Ricotta Tomato Toast recipe.

Sometimes, I make this salad when I have friends over, and the compliments never stop! Their faces light up as they savor every bite—it’s pure joy!

FAQ

Can I use canned tomatoes for this marinated tomato salad?

Using fresh tomatoes is best, but canned can work in a pinch with some adjustments.

How long should I let the tomatoes marinate?

Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all flavors effectively.

What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?

A good-quality balsamic or red wine vinegar enhances the overall flavor of the salad wonderfully.

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Marinated Tomato Salad

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Marinated Tomato Salad is the essence of summer, featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty balsamic dressing that comes together effortlessly. This colorful dish bursts with flavor, making it perfect for warm evenings on the patio or as a vibrant side at your next gathering. Fresh, easy to prepare, and visually stunning, this salad is sure to impress guests and bring joy to any meal.

• Author: Gordon Calloway
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

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• 4 cups ripe heirloom tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on your countertop.
2. Dice the heirloom tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
3. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl with tomatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
6. Serve chilled in bowls or directly from the mixing bowl.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg