Refreshing Tomato Salad
Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with this simple yet delectable Tomato Refresher Salad, perfect for any cookout or family gathering. This salad shines at its best when juicy, ripe tomatoes are in season. Known for its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation, it hails from the Southern Living 1981 Cookbook, a testament to timeless recipes that never fail to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 green peppers, finely chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 6 tomatoes, sliced
Directions:
-
Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by layering the sliced tomatoes neatly in a 9×13-inch pan. Arrange them so they cover the bottom of the pan completely, creating a base for the salad.
-
-
Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped green peppers, celery, and onions. Add the salt, ground black pepper, vinegar, sugar, and water to this mixture. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
-
Assemble the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the layered tomatoes in the pan. The dressing should coat the tomatoes generously, allowing the flavors to infuse every bite.
-
Chill: Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become refreshingly cool.
-
Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well distributed. This Tomato Refresher Salad serves about 8 people and makes for a fantastic side dish at any gathering.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 54.4
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 447.6 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.8 grams
- Fiber: 1.8 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Protein: 1.2 grams
Notes:
- This salad is particularly delicious with ripe, seasonal tomatoes, which are the star of the dish.
- Feel free to adjust the level of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a few fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top just before serving.
Enjoy this refreshing salad that not only captures the essence of summer but also provides a healthy, light option for any occasion.
