🍅 Fresh & Zesty Tomato Basil Salad 🌿

🍅 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:

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

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   • 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Mix the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced tomatoes and chopped basil leaves.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Garnish (Optional):

    • For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, you can garnish with a few whole basil leaves on top.

11. 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:

• 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.

• Basil Variation: Experiment with different types of basil, such as Thai basil or lemon basil, for unique flavor profiles.

• Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• 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! 🌞