Bursting Summer Tomato Salad with Basil Balsamic Glaze
Bursting Summer Tomato Salad With Basil Balsamic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250-350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Have you ever wondered how to make a Marinated Tomato Salad that's actually bursting with flavour? This recipe is your ticket! It's got a tangy balsamic glaze and a freshness that'll knock your socks off!
Brief Overview
The Tomato Salad Recipe is a Mediterranean classic. Think of warm Italian summers. This easy recipe takes around 25 minutes, plus a little chill time.
It serves about 4-6 people perfect for sharing or a light meal.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing about this Marinated Tomatoes is how good it is for you. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants.
Serve this Summer Tomato Salad at your next BBQ everyone will love it. What makes it special? The balsamic glaze, hands down.
Right then, let's get cracking on a proper Marinated Tomato Salad recipe something that would make even Mary Berry smile! This is all about displaying those beautiful summer tomatoes, innit?
look into into Deliciousness: Bursting Summer Tomato Salad with Basil & Balsamic Glaze
This vibrant Marinated Tomato Salad is a celebration of summer's best. Inspired by the classic Caprese but elevated with a luscious balsamic glaze and fragrant basil, it's the perfect side dish for a barbecue, a light lunch, or a simple supper.
Think of it as sunshine on a plate! It’s got that sweet, tangy, and herbaceous profile that’s simply irresistible. You know?
Why This Easy Tomato Salad Recipe is a Winner
It’s dead easy, really. This is slicing, dicing, and whisking, innit? No fancy techniques needed, just a bit of patience to let the flavours meld.
You can even get the kids involved. It's a proper winner!
What You'll Need to Whip up This Fresh Tomato Salad
- 2 lbs assorted ripe tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, Roma a mix is best!)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Marinade: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
- Balsamic Glaze: balsamic vinegar, brown sugar
Stay tuned for the full instructions! Honestly, it's so easy even I can't mess it up.
Right then, let's dive into what you need to make this cracking Marinated Tomato Salad ! Honestly, it's all about using the best bits you can get your hands on.
A proper "Marinated Tomato Salad" recipe something that would make even Mary Berry smile.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Bloody Salad
Let's get prepped! Don't worry, it's not rocket science. A Tomato Salad Recipe should be simple.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ( 900g ) assorted ripe tomatoes. Think heirloom, cherry, Roma. A right mixture is best, you know?
- 1/2 cup ( 70g ) thinly sliced red onion.
- 1/4 cup ( 15g ) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped.
- 4 oz ( 115g ) fresh mozzarella cheese. Bocconcini is fab, or a torn larger ball. Optional, but highly recommended for that Tomato Mozzarella Salad vibe. Tomato Quality : Look for vibrant colour and a proper, sweet smell. Squishy tomatoes are a no-no!
Seasoning Notes
We're going for flavour bombs , innit?
- Essential spice combinations : Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic. Classic, but brilliant.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics : Balsamic vinegar is key. Red wine vinegar adds a certain je ne sais quoi . Dijon mustard? Don't skip it.
- Quick substitution options : No Dijon? A bit of English mustard will do in a pinch but be careful, it's stronger!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Large bowl. For mixing everything, obviously.
- Small saucepan (for the balsamic glaze).
- Whisk. To get that marinade properly emufied.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife. A must for slicing those fresh tomato salad .
Household alternatives : Don't have a fancy whisk? A fork will do. No saucepan? A microwave safe bowl for the glaze, but watch it like a hawk! I once tried making this and the kitchen was a mess of splattered vinegar, lesson learned.
Speaking of learning, did you know according to Statista, tomatoes are the most popular non-starchy vegetable in the United States? That's a lot of tomatoes! Now are you ready to learn to make a Summer Tomato Salad ?
Honestly, using the best ingredients for this Marinated Tomato Salad , makes all the difference.
Cooking Method: Marinating Tomatoes Like a Boss
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Marinated Tomato Salad , especially when the sun's blazing? Think of those lazy summer afternoons, a barbecue sizzling away, and this vibrant dish sitting pretty on the table.
We're diving into how to get the most flavour out of those juicy beauties with a super simple marinating method.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place is key. That means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you even start cooking.
Chop your tomatoes, slice your red onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your balsamic vinegar. You know? That's what the pros do.
For time saving organization tips, I'd say, grab all the ingredients from your fridge and pantry at once. It's all about efficiency.
Safety wise, make sure you have a stable cutting board and a sharp knife. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Step-by-Step Process: Marinated Tomatoes Done Right
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a big bowl. This is your flavour bomb.
- Slice or quarter your tomatoes and thinly slice that red onion. A good mix of tomato types like heirlooms, cherry, and Roma tomatoes makes it interesting.
- Combine the tomatoes and red onion with the marinade. Gently toss. Get those babies coated!
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , but no more than 1 hour . You don't want mushy tomatoes.
- Make the balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes , until it thickens.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tomato Salad Recipe
Here's a pro tip I've learned the hard way: don't skip on the quality of tomatoes. Use the best and ripest tomatoes you can find. It will make a world of difference.
Another one is to taste the marinated tomato salad before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or balsamic can do wonders.
One common mistake is over marinating the tomatoes. They get too soft, and nobody wants that.
Want to prep ahead? You can make the balsamic glaze a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Honestly, this Cherry Tomato Salad is a game changer.
Recipe Notes for the Best Marinated Tomato Salad Ever!
Alright, love, let's talk shop about this Marinated Tomato Salad . It's not just throwing some tomatoes in a bowl, you know? A few insider tips can elevate this Tomato Salad Recipe from good to "Oh my gosh, where did you learn to cook like this?"
What to do with your Bursting Summer Tomato Salad: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've got this beautiful bowl of Summer Tomato Salad . Now what? I reckon it looks divine on its own, but it loves company! Think about a nice bit of grilled chicken or fish.
Honestly, even just chucked on top of some crusty bread is heaven. I sometimes make a Caprese style sandwich and slide some Marinated Tomatoes in it.
Absolute game changer! I like to arrange my salad on a nice white platter, it really makes the colours pop! Then give it a generous drizzle of the balsamic glaze.
Storage Secrets and other tips.
Right, you've got leftovers. First off, well done for not eating it all! Store your Marinated Tomato Salad in the fridge, airtight, of course.
It'll happily sit there for a day or two. The flavours actually get better. Sadly, it doesn’t freeze well, the tomatoes go all mushy.
Reheating? Nah, don't even think about it. This Fresh Tomato Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold. If you want to add mozzarella, remember to bring it to room temperature 15 minutes before serving to enhance its flavour.
Spice up your Summer: Variations
Fancy a bit of a twist? Right, a Mediterranean twist : chuck in some Kalamata olives and crumbled feta. Bang! If you're after something spicy, a pinch of dried chilli flakes into the marinade.
It gives it a lovely kick. And for my dairy free mates, simply ditch the mozzarella! The Balsamic Tomato Salad is still wicked tasty.
Sub shallots for red onion for a less strong onion taste. Instead of red wine vinegar, try white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a change of flavor.
If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil (about 1 teaspoon).
Nutritional Information: The Good Stuff
Let's face it, we all want to know what we're putting in our bodies. Roughly speaking, a serving of this Easy Tomato Salad Recipe is around 250-350 calories .
You get a good dose of vitamins, healthy fats from the olive oil, and not too much protein. Remember, this is an estimate.
Don't go blaming me if you accidentally scoff the whole bowl! Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Olive oil is heart healthy.
Plus, it's just really tasty!
So there you have it. Hopefully, you are ready to try out this Cherry Tomato Salad and it's given you a bit of confidence.
Now, go on. Get in the kitchen and give this Caprese Salad Variation a go, and let me know how it goes, okay? I just know you'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Marinated Tomato Salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
You can prep some components in advance, but don't marinate the tomatoes for too long! You can whisk the marinade and make the balsamic glaze a day ahead. However, marinating the tomatoes for more than an hour will result in a mushy salad, which is a bit rubbish. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
What's the best way to store leftover Marinated Tomato Salad? Will it keep?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within a day or two. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Be aware that the tomatoes will continue to release moisture, so the salad might become a bit watery. Nobody wants a soggy salad, right? You can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
I don't have balsamic vinegar. What can I substitute in this Marinated Tomato Salad?
While balsamic vinegar adds a characteristic sweetness and tang, you can use red wine vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice as a substitute in the marinade. The flavour profile will be different, but it'll still be a cracking good salad!
If you're omitting the balsamic glaze altogether, consider adding a tiny touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a hint of sweetness.
Can I add other ingredients to this Marinated Tomato Salad? I'm feeling a bit experimental!
Absolutely! This salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Consider adding Kalamata olives, feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe, or even some grilled halloumi for a heartier dish. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts would also add a lovely textural crunch.
Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Get your chef's hat on!
Is this Marinated Tomato Salad healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
It definitely can be! Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and olive oil provides healthy fats. However, the amount of mozzarella and balsamic glaze can influence the calorie count. For a lighter version, use less mozzarella or omit it altogether, and go easy on the balsamic glaze.
As mentioned, a serving contains approximately 250-350 calories, 5-10g of protein, 15-25g of fat, and 15-20g of carbohydrates.
