Red and Yellow Tomato Salad with Basil, Olives and Onions ๐ ๐ฟ
Prepare for a burst of freshness in every bite with this vibrant Red and Yellow Tomato Salad with Basil, Olives, and Onions recipe! Perfect for those lazy summer days or when you’re in need of a quick and healthy snack, this salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks absolutely stunning on any table. Plus, it serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or keeping in the fridge for a week of delicious lunches ahead!
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Red and Yellow Tomato Salad with Basil, Olives and Onions
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 90.6 per serving
- Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ (1 review)
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
6 | Tomatoes |
2 | Yellow cherry tomatoes |
1 | Red pear tomatoes |
20 | Fresh basil leaves |
3 | Nicoise olives |
1/3 cup | Black olives |
5 | Red onions |
Olive oil | |
Vinegar | |
Salt and pepper |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash all the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Cut the larger tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
- Slice the red onions thinly.
- Pit the Nicoise and black olives if necessary.
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Combine the Tomatoes and Herbs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, both the yellow cherry and red pear varieties, for a colorful mix.
- Add in the torn fresh basil leaves, distributing them evenly throughout the tomatoes.
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Add in the Olives and Onions:
- Next, toss in the Nicoise olives, adding a salty tang to the salad.
- Follow this up with the black olives, offering a deep, rich flavor.
- Finally, scatter the thinly sliced red onions into the bowl, providing a delightful crunch and bite.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Pour a generous amount of olive oil over the salad mixture. This will add a luxurious richness and meld all the flavors together.
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Season and Toss:
- Sprinkle a bit of vinegar over the salad to give it a refreshing acidity.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
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Gently Toss to Coat:
- Using salad servers or clean hands, gently toss all the ingredients together.
- Ensure that every tomato, olive, and onion slice gets coated in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper goodness.
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Chill or Serve Immediately:
- You can serve this salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish.
- Alternatively, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld even further.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, give the salad a final toss before serving.
- Garnish with a few extra basil leaves on top for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve this Red and Yellow Tomato Salad as a side dish for a summer barbecue, a light brunch, or as a refreshing starter.
Recipe Notes:
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Variety of Tomatoes: Feel free to use your favorite varieties of tomatoes for this salad. The mix of colors adds visual appeal, but any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work wonders.
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Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute with other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
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Olive Options: Nicoise olives offer a briny, salty flavor, while black olives add depth. You can mix and match with your preferred olive varieties or use one type for simplicity.
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Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious over time.
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Customization: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also drizzle with a balsamic glaze before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Savor the flavors of summer with this Red and Yellow Tomato Salad with Basil, Olives, and Onions. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the freshness of the season, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a quick and healthy snack whenever the craving strikes! ๐ฅโจ