Indulge in a burst of flavors with our Fancy Tomato Salad, a symphony of textures and freshness. This delectable dish elevates the humble tomato to a culinary masterpiece. Savor the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, perfectly balanced with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Discover variations such as the Classic Tomato Salad, a timeless recipe bursting with simplicity, and the Greek Tomato Salad, a Mediterranean delight with a feta and oregano twist. For a touch of elegance, try the Heirloom Tomato Salad, where colorful heirloom tomatoes take center stage. If you seek a refreshing twist, the Watermelon Tomato Salad is a unique combination of sweet watermelon and juicy tomatoes. Each recipe offers a distinct flavor profile, promising a delightful journey for your taste buds. Prepare to elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones with these exceptional tomato salad creations.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
FANCY AND BEAUTIFUL TOMATO SALAD
Very loosely inspired by Lebanese fattoush, this is one of those dishes where you want to use only the ripest, most fragrant tomatoes in the bunch.
Provided by Sarah Jampel
Categories Bon Appétit Dinner Lunch Salad Tomato Feta Basil Mint Lemon Summer Vegetarian Soy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Gently toss heirloom and cherry tomatoes and 1¼ tsp. salt in a medium bowl to combine and set aside.
- Finely grate lemon zest into a small bowl, then grate in garlic; set lemon aside.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium until just starting to shimmer. Add za'atar and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darkened in color, about 1 minute. Add lemon zest and garlic, cook 10 seconds, then remove from heat. (You're looking to cook off the raw flavor of the garlic without losing the brightness of the lemon.) Transfer za'atar oil to a heatproof measuring cup.
- Place pita chips in a large bowl and drizzle 2 Tbsp. za'atar oil over; season with salt. Mix well with a rubber spatula, aiming to coat chips without breaking them into too many pieces.
- Cut reserved lemon in half and squeeze juice from 1 lemon half into a small bowl. Stir in honey and remaining ½ tsp. salt. Gradually add remaining za'atar oil, stirring constantly until emulsified. Taste dressing and add more lemon juice, honey, or salt if needed.
- Add feta, basil, mint, and reserved tomatoes to bowl with chips and drizzle dressing over; toss gently to combine.
- Spoon salad onto platter, making sure to leave no juices behind. Eat fast for crunchy chips or let sit for a crispy-gone-soggy experience.
FANCY TOMATO SALAD
If you want an elegant little salad to enhance a special dinner or party, this is it. Picture a flower-arrangement of salad ingredients sitting in a tomato "bowl!" I saw this, many years ago, on some cooking show on TV. I have made it a few times, but I don't remember if I ever had a written recipe (I just keep things filed in...
Provided by Patti Smith
Categories Other Salads
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Rinse and dry scallions and radishes. Trim roots off scallions. Using a thin, sharp, pointed paring knife, slice 1 inch long cuts (length-wise) through middle of white end. Do this 2 or 3 times to make a fringe on the root end. Trim off other end at around 6 inches. Place these trimmed scallions in a deep bowl of ice water. Trim root point and leaves off radish, leaving it in a round shape. Holding with point side up, make 4 small slices around base. You are making rose "petals" with each slice. Moving up a level, stagger 4 more slices. Make sure they are deep enough, but don't cut the leaf away from the base. Continue around maybe one more time. Pare away center of radish so toothpick will show. Add to bowl with scallions. Set in refrigerator to let them "blossom" at least 2 hours. This can be done ahead or even the night before, just keep icy cold.
- 2. When ready to make salad, rinse and dry remaining ingredients. Carefully cut around the stem top of the tomato, making a deep hole, but do NOT pierce the bottom of the tomato. Scoop out loose insides and seeds (but leave the tomato skin and flesh intact to make a tomato bowl to hold your salad). Turn upside down to drain for a bit.
- 3. Select 8 pretty leaves from the middle of a head of Romaine lettuce. Leaves should be about 6 inches tall, not too broad at base. Insert 2 into each tomato, in a fan shape. Push gently down on tomatoes to flatten the bottoms and keep from rolling over. If leaves are too long, tomato will keep toppling over. Trim more off lettuce base if necessary.
- 4. Choose 3 or 4 long Enoki mushrooms for each tomato. Trim bottom if necessary. Insert into tomatoes in front of lettuce leaves.
- 5. Insert 3 to 5 nice long chives behind mushrooms. Should be like a floral arrangement, with the chives gracefully sticking out above everything else.
- 6. Insert a colorful, wooden toothpick into bottom base of radish rose. Push up so that it can be seen in center of rose. Insert the other end of toothpick into the center of the scallion "blossom." Put one assembled "rose" into each tomato, right in the center front. Surround and fill in with watercress.
- 7. Put on a pretty salad plate, maybe with some shredded lettuce around it. Or you could put in a shallow, stemmed pudding dish/bowl or even a wide champagne, long-stemmed glass would look elegant. Just be careful they won't tip over. Sit the glass on top of salad plate (for eating). Drizzle with salad dressing and set out on dining table. Serves 4
Tips:
- Utilize diverse tomatoes. By employing different varieties such as heirlooms and cherry tomatoes, you introduce a range of flavors and appearances. This creates a visually captivating and delectable salad.
- Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes, as this diminishes their taste. Instead, store them at room temperature to enhance their natural flavors.
- Master knife skills. Mastering knife skills enables precise and uniform slicing of tomatoes, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Experiment with various vinaigrettes. Vinaigrettes offer endless possibilities for flavor customization. Consider incorporating citrus juices, herbs, and spices to create unique dressings.
- Add a touch of sweetness. A hint of sweetness can balance the acidity of tomatoes. Honey, balsamic vinegar, or a touch of fruit can introduce this delightful dimension.
- Incorporate fresh herbs. Herbs like basil, parsley, and chives bring a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity to the salad.
- Consider using cheese. Cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese add a delightful savory dimension and creaminess to the salad.
- Toast nuts for added texture. Toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Conclusion:
In essence, crafting a fancy tomato salad demands an appreciation for the nuances of flavor and texture. By thoughtfully selecting tomatoes, experimenting with vinaigrettes, and incorporating a variety of complementary ingredients, you can elevate this humble dish into a culinary masterpiece. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or a vibrant side, this salad is guaranteed to impress and delight your taste buds.
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