Great Great Aunt Jessie’s 1940’s Tomato Surprise Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Description:
Step back in time with Great Great Aunt Jessie’s 1940’s Tomato Surprise Salad, a refreshing and light dish that comes from a family favorite recipe passed down from the 1940s. This vintage recipe was copied from an August 18, 1949 newspaper, and it’s the perfect dish for those scorching hot days when cooking just feels like too much of a chore. With a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this salad is both easy and satisfying. Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce and top it with parsley and cauliflower buds for a touch of nostalgia and extra crunch. A simple, no-fuss salad for any summer day.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 6 medium, scalded, peeled, and chilled |
| Cucumber | 3/4 cup, finely diced |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Lettuce | 1/4 head, fresh leaves |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Cauliflower | Small buds for garnish |
| Chicken (optional) | 1/2 cup, shredded (optional) |
| Nuts (optional) | 1/4 cup, chopped (optional) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 11.3 mg |
| Sodium | 123 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9.1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4.3 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by scalding and peeling the tomatoes. To do this, score a small “x” on the bottom of each tomato and dip them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer them immediately into a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, peel off the skins and set the tomatoes aside to chill.
-
Scoop and Prepare: Carefully slice off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides. Be sure to remove all the seeds from the pulp. Place the tomato shells and pulp into the fridge to chill along with the other ingredients.
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Chill the Other Ingredients: While your tomatoes are chilling, prepare the remaining ingredients. Finely dice the cucumber, shred the chicken if using, and chop the parsley. If you’re including nuts in the recipe, chop them into small pieces. Chill the cucumbers, chicken, nuts, and parsley to ensure everything is fresh and crisp.
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Prepare the Salad Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled tomato pulp, diced cucumber, shredded chicken (if using), chopped nuts (if using), and mayonnaise. Stir everything gently to mix, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the creamy mayonnaise dressing.
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Assemble the Salad: When ready to serve, take the chilled tomato shells and fill them with the prepared mixture. Arrange the filled tomatoes on a plate with fresh lettuce leaves as the base.
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Garnish: Garnish each filled tomato with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few cauliflower buds to add a touch of color and texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this vintage salad that’s perfect for any hot day.
Tips & Variations:
- Protein Additions: While this recipe traditionally uses chicken, you can easily substitute with tuna or shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Veggie Variations: Add extra vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or celery to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tomato mixture in advance, but wait until serving to fill the tomatoes and garnish with lettuce and parsley for the freshest presentation.
This Tomato Surprise Salad is a charming, retro dish that’s both nutritious and light, making it the perfect side salad for any summer meal or a unique addition to your next picnic or barbecue.
