Description
This vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salad is a fresh and simple dish that highlights the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe tomatoes. Combined with marinated red onions, briny kalamata olives, and fragrant fresh basil, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, it makes an elegant and refreshing appetizer or side dish perfect for warm weather or any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 kalamata olives
- Fresh basil, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Onions: In a small bowl, combine the chopped red onions, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the onions and blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the medium ripe heirloom tomatoes evenly and arrange the slices neatly on a serving plate or individual plates for each portion.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the marinated onions with their olive oil over the arranged tomato slices. Add additional kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Scatter the kalamata olives over the top and garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves for aroma and color.
- Serve: Divide the salad equally among 4 plates, ensuring each serving has a balanced mix of tomatoes, onions, olives, and basil. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe heirloom tomatoes that are firm but juicy.
- You can substitute kalamata olives with green olives if preferred.
- To make the salad more substantial, consider adding fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared up to 30 minutes ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Adjust the olive oil quantity as desired for richer or lighter dressing.
