Two-Tomato Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring ripe cherry and medium-sized tomatoes, accented with fresh basil and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches, this dish offers a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors that appeal to tomato lovers and salad enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together chopped basil, olive or salad oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and sugar until blended; set aside.
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a 5-quart saucepan.
- Fill a large bowl with ice water.
- Cut a small 'x' in the stem end of each cherry tomato.
- Add 1 pint of cherry tomatoes to the boiling water.
- After 5 seconds, use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes and transfer them to the ice water to cool.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cherry tomatoes, heating the water to boiling before adding each pint, and adding more ice to the water as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the tomatoes, blanching them before peeling enhances their flavor and texture. If cherry tomatoes are not available, substitute with grape tomatoes or any small variety. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or incorporate diced cucumbers for a refreshing twist. This salad can be a perfect side for Mediterranean recipes or paired with grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Two-Tomato Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil sprigs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Shish Kabobs or a side of Wilted Cucumbers for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside crusty bread or alongside a light pasta dish like Spaghetti With Vegetables And Pine Nuts for a delightful summer feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the freshness of the tomatoes, avoid mixing the dressing with the salad until you're ready to serve. If you need to reheat any components, gently warm them in a pan over low heat to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two-Tomato Salad contains roughly 389 calories, with 36g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (283% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (170% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1798mg 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 use different types of tomatoes for this salad?
Absolutely! While cherry and medium-sized tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can experiment with heirloom, beefsteak, or even grape tomatoes. Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor.
How do I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the Dijon mustard you use is also vegan, as some brands may include honey. This salad is a great addition to any vegan recipes you might be preparing.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to mix the dressing and salad just before serving to keep the tomatoes fresh and vibrant. If you do prepare it in advance, store the dressing separately to maintain the salad's texture.
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).