Tomatoes Piquant
A vibrant, tangy tomato salad with fresh herbs and green onions, perfect for warm weather gatherings and pairs well with cucumbers and crusty bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 to 35 seconds to loosen skins.
- Remove skins and slice tomatoes about 1/2-inch thick.
- Place sliced tomatoes in a deep bowl.
- In a jar, combine salad oil, tarragon vinegar, snipped parsley, sliced green onions, dried thyme or fresh thyme, salt, freshly ground pepper, and minced garlic.
- Shake the jar well to mix the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the sliced tomatoes.
- Cover and chill for about 5 to 6 hours, spooning dressing over the tomatoes occasionally.
- Before serving, drain off excess dressing.
- Garnish with more snipped parsley and serve with sliced cucumbers if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To easily peel the tomatoes, ensure the water is at a rolling boil and prepare an ice bath for quick cooling. If you don't have tarragon vinegar, white wine vinegar can be a good substitute. For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh basil or oregano. This dish can also be made with heirloom tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish as a refreshing appetizer or side salad alongside grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean spread. It pairs beautifully with sliced cucumbers and crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with pasta or as a topping for a light Protein like grilled chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the dish. If you prefer to serve it warm, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but avoid reheating to maintain the fresh taste of the tomatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Piquant contains roughly 206 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and adjust the marinating time since they are softer. However, fresh tomatoes will provide a brighter taste and better appearance.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! The simple combination of fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing makes it a perfect choice for vegan diets. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables or serve it alongside Vegan recipes for a complete meal.
What should I do if I can't find fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried herbs instead, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated in flavor. A half teaspoon of dried thyme can replace the fresh thyme. Alternatively, consider using a blend of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
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).