Description
This fresh and vibrant Tomato Garlic Salad is a quick and easy side dish bursting with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. Dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of honey, it’s perfect for summer meals or as a light accompaniment to any main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Chop the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl to form the base of your salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano to create a flavorful vinaigrette. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped tomatoes, gently tossing the mixture to ensure all the tomatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the salad, then give it a final gentle toss to combine all the fresh flavors.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish, or let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes at their peak season.
- The honey in the dressing is optional but helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- You can substitute fresh oregano for dried oregano for a fresher taste.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
