Belgian Tomatoes
A vibrant and fresh salad featuring ripe tomatoes layered with onions and seasoned with herbs, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings, offering bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange tomato slices on a serving plate and top with onion rings.
- Sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper, celery seed, basil, dill weed, and chives.
- Pour Italian salad dressing over all.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the tomatoes and onions. If you don't have chives, scallions can be a good substitute. Additionally, consider adding diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit Mediterranean recipes by incorporating olives or feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Belgian Tomatoes as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, especially during summer gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it an excellent complement to dishes like Shish Kabob Marinade. For a light meal, enjoy it alongside a green salad, such as Red And Green Salad, or with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Belgian Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the texture of the tomatoes may become softer. To reheat, simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving again, as this dish is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Belgian Tomatoes contains roughly 135 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Belgian Tomatoes a few hours in advance. Just follow the instructions and chill them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop, enhancing the overall taste when served.
What can I substitute for Italian salad dressing?
If you don't have Italian salad dressing, you can use a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs as a homemade alternative. This will give you a similar flavor profile while allowing customization to your taste.
Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add diced avocado for creaminess or include other herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor. Additionally, for a twist, try drizzling some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).