🍅 Tomato Basil Salad Recipe 🌿
Love the refreshing taste of summer? This Tomato Basil Salad is your perfect companion, bursting with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of olive oil. Best of all, it’s a breeze to make, taking just 5 minutes of your time! Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light snack, or a vibrant addition to your meal, this salad ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into the recipe!
🕒 Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
🕒 Total Time:
- 5 minutes
🥗 Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | tomatoes |
| 1/2 – 3/4 | cup fresh basil |
| 1/4 | cup olive oil |
| 2 | pinches of salt |
| pinch of black pepper |
📝 Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather 4 fresh tomatoes, 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fragrant basil leaves, a 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, a couple of pinches of salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
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Slice the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use cherry tomatoes, halving them for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
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Chop the Basil:
- Rinse the basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Stack the leaves together, roll them up, and slice thinly into ribbons.
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Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced tomatoes and chopped basil leaves.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and basil. This not only adds a luscious flavor but also helps all the ingredients come together.
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Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Sprinkle a couple of pinches of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
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Toss Gently:
- Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss the salad to ensure the olive oil, salt, and pepper coat every tomato and basil leaf.
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Chill and Serve:
- Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final gentle toss. Spoon it into a serving bowl or plate up individual portions.
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Garnish (Optional):
- For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, you can garnish with a few whole basil leaves on top.
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Serve & Share:
- This Tomato Basil Salad is best enjoyed chilled, making it a delightful addition to picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or simply as a light and healthy snack at home.
🥗 Recipe Notes:
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Tomato Selection: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use a mix of heirloom tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful twist.
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Basil Variation: Experiment with different types of basil, such as Thai basil or lemon basil, for unique flavor profiles.
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Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Customize to Taste: Feel free to add extras like mozzarella pearls, cucumber slices, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and texture.
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and effortless preparation, this Tomato Basil Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. 🍅🌿 Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite! 🌞
