There’s nothing as easy and simple as making a salad. Choosing the right tomatoes is a different story and it is what will break or make your salad. So stay away from watery half ripened tomatoes and wait until the heirlooms hit the farmers market.
Choosing the Tomatoes:
What is so special about heirloom tomatoes ?
Non-GMO and grown on a small scale they produce way better flavor than commercially grown hybrids therefor being ideal for use in classic dishes like this Italian tomato salad. Usually irregular in shape, size and color the seeds have been saved by growers from what they considered to be the best plants then passed down to the next generation.
The Onion:
A sweet red onion or purple Italian spring onions are ideal. Scallions work great as well and the sweet Maui onions would be lovely too. Try and stay away from sharp white onions if at all possible.
This Italian Tomato Salad is Summer in a Bowl!
How to make Italian tomato salad dressing:
Salad Maceration Period:
The Salt:
Let’s make this Italian Tomato Salad! It’s:
Italian Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lb red heirloom tomatoes
- 1 small purple onion
- 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 c chives chopped
- 1/4 c fresh dill roughly chopped + more to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
- 4 tbsp capers
- chive blossoms for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Fleur de Sel sea salt + more to taste
WFPB Oil-Free Dressing:
- 1 heirloom tomato peeled
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- sea salt to taste
- 5 leaves basil
Instructions
- Using a very sharp knife slice the tomatoes into small wedges and add them to a serving bowl with the capers.
- Slice the purple onion into thin strips or rounds and sprinkle on top of the tomatoes. Add the fresh oregano, dill, chives and basil.
- Drizzle the salad with the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Season with the Fleur the Sel sea salt and gently toss to coat. Allow to macerate at room temperature for 5minutes.
- Garnish with the chive blossoms and serve promptly with a few extra flakes of Fleur de Sel on top to your taste.
- OPTIONAL: Add vegan feta cheese on top if you desire, I love the one from Follow Your Heart or you can make your own.
Make the Oil-Free Dressing:
- Peel the tomato and blend together with the vinegar until smooth. Add a little water if you need to stretch it out then season to taste with sea salt.