Tomato Salad(Excellent)
A fresh and flavorful tomato salad featuring olive oil, vinegar, basil, garlic, and herbs, perfect as a light side dish or summer appetizer for 4 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except tomatoes in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the cut tomatoes and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, use heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil works fine but use half the amount. To enhance the dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of honey for sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Ensure your tomatoes are at room temperature for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tomato salad as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or fish, or pair it with a light pasta dish like Tabouli(Wheat Garden Salad). It also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully, making it a versatile addition to any summer meal. Garnish with extra basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the tomatoes may release moisture, so it's best to store the dressing separately and combine them just before serving. If needed, you can refresh the salad with a little more olive oil and vinegar after storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Salad(Excellent) contains roughly 107 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1491mg per serving (65% 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 salad ahead of time?
While the salad is best served immediately, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just mix it with the tomatoes right before serving to keep them fresh and firm.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you don't have olive oil, you could use avocado oil or a light vegetable oil in this salad. Each option will provide a different flavor, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this tomato salad is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a perfect dish for those following a vegan diet and can be served as part of a larger spread, including dishes like Mediterranean recipes.
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).