Mediterranean Tomato Basil Salad
This Mediterranean Tomato Basil Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad is enhanced with fragrant garlic, balanced balsamic vinegar, and smooth extra virgin olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a marinated salad that bursts with flavor. Allow it to sit and soak up the delicious dressing for a few hours before serving, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy days. Enjoy this salad with crusty bread or paired with grilled meats for a delightful Mediterranean experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2-4 (cut into quarters or eighths, depending on size)
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (roughly chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and cutting the tomatoes into quarters or eighths, depending on their size. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3
Minced the garlic and incorporate it into the tomato and basil mixture.
4
In a separate small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons each of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Mix them together thoroughly to create a dressing.
5
Pour the balsamic and olive oil mixture over the tomato, basil, and garlic combination. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
6
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, mixing lightly once again.
7
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let the salad marinate at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
Please do not refrigerate the salad before serving to preserve its fresh taste. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tomato Basil Salad?
Mediterranean Tomato Basil Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many tomatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 4 tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be washed and cut into quarters or eighths, depending on their size.
What type of basil is used in this salad?
Fresh basil leaves are used in this Mediterranean recipe.
How much fresh basil should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
The fresh basil leaves should be roughly chopped before being added to the salad.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, one clove of garlic is included to add fragrance and flavor.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced and then incorporated into the tomato and basil mixture.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the dressing be mixed?
Combine the balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a separate small bowl and mix them together thoroughly.
When do I add the dressing to the salad?
Pour the mixture over the tomatoes, basil, and garlic after they have been combined in a large mixing bowl.
How do I season the Mediterranean Tomato Basil Salad?
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Should I stir the salad after adding seasoning?
Yes, mix the salad lightly once again after adding the salt and pepper.
How long should the salad marinate?
The salad should marinate for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Where should the salad be kept while marinating?
It should marinate at room temperature.
Should I cover the salad while it marinates?
Yes, cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
Should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
No, please do not refrigerate the salad before serving to preserve its fresh taste.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
The salad should be served at room temperature.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Is this a no-cook recipe?
Yes, this is a no-cook recipe that relies on marination for flavor development.
What are some serving suggestions for this salad?
It can be enjoyed with crusty bread or paired with grilled meats.
Is this salad a good make-ahead option?
Yes, because it requires several hours of marinating, it is an ideal make-ahead dish.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include salad, mediterranean, vegetarian, fresh, tomatoes, basil, healthy, light meal, side dish, and no-cook.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Why is it important to let the salad sit before serving?
Allowing it to sit for 6 to 8 hours lets the tomatoes soak up the dressing and allows the ingredients to create a marinated burst of flavor.