Forget those pristine, perfectly-round tomatoes you see in magazines. This recipe celebrates the ugly tomatoes – the oddly shaped, heirloom varieties bursting with flavor that often get overlooked. Steve and Cookies, two food-loving friends, discovered this surprisingly delicious salad quite by accident, and we're thrilled to share their secret. It's the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with a little love (and a good vinaigrette), can create a truly memorable dish. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea or a healthy side dish, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped (don't worry about making them uniform!)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Gently wash your tomatoes. Don't be afraid of the imperfections! The more varied the colors and shapes, the more visually appealing (and delicious) your salad will be. Roughly chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, red onion, and basil.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
Step 5: Add Feta (Optional)
If using, gently stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together for a bit.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ugly Tomato Salad:
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes, even if they aren't perfect in shape. Heirloom varieties often have the most intense flavor.
- Red Onion: If you find red onion too strong, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow the flavor.
- Basil: Fresh basil is key here. Don't substitute dried basil; it won't have the same bright flavor.
- Vinaigrette: Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar and lemon juice to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a touch more balsamic. If you like a tangier salad, add a bit more lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas would make this a more substantial meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Get cheesy: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This easy and healthy meal is a delicious and beautiful testament to the bounty of the summer harvest. It’s a fantastic example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create a truly satisfying and delicious dish. Enjoy!