Vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salsa
Elevate your meals with this Vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salsa, inspired by Jamie Oliver. Bursting with flavor, this fresh salsa combines the sweetness of heirloom tomatoes with fresh herbs, a hint of heat from chili, and a delicious tang from lemon juice. Perfect as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or simply served with tortilla chips, this salsa is a celebration of fresh ingredients that brings color and zest to any table. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and impress your family and friends!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed heirloom tomatoes
1/2 lb (various colors, roughly chopped)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (for acidity)
Fresh red chili pepper
1/2 small (deseeded and finely chopped (optional))
Garlic clove
1/2 (grated)
Fresh coriander
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by roughly chopping the mixed heirloom tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a colander and generously sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow the tomatoes to drain for about 15 minutes to release excess moisture.
2
After 15 minutes, transfer the drained tomatoes to a serving bowl. Add the dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped chili pepper (if using), and grated garlic. Toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
3
Let the salsa marinate for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4
Before serving, roughly chop the marinated tomatoes once more along with the fresh coriander and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
5
Serve this vibrant salsa alongside grilled fish or chicken, or enjoy it as a refreshing dip with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salsa?
Vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salsa is a fresh, flavorful condiment made with sweet heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, chili, and lemon juice.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Jamie Oliver.
How long does it take to prepare this salsa from start to finish?
The total preparation and marination time is approximately 30 minutes.
What are heirloom tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are non-hybrid varieties valued for their heritage, diverse colors, and superior sweetness.
Why should I drain the tomatoes in a colander?
Draining the chopped tomatoes with salt for 15 minutes removes excess moisture to prevent a watery salsa.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe specifically calls for one teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much tomato is required for one serving?
You will need 1/2 lb of mixed heirloom tomatoes of various colors.
What provide the acidity in the dressing?
The acidity is provided by a combination of red wine vinegar and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Does this salsa have a spicy kick?
It has a hint of heat provided by half of a small, finely chopped fresh red chili pepper.
Can I make the salsa without chili?
Yes, the fresh red chili pepper is an optional ingredient.
How is the garlic prepared for this dish?
The recipe requires 1/2 of a garlic clove that has been finely grated.
Which oil is used to dress the salsa?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What dried herb is included for flavor?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is added to provide an earthy flavor.
Which fresh herb is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 of a lemon, lime juice is a common and suitable substitution for citrus tang.
What are some serving suggestions for this salsa?
It is perfect as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or served as a dip with tortilla chips.
Is this heirloom tomato salsa vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the salsa consists of naturally gluten-free fresh vegetables, oils, and herbs.
How long should the salsa marinate before the final steps?
The salsa should marinate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors of the garlic, oil, and vinegar to meld.
Can I freeze this salsa for later use?
Freezing is not recommended as it will compromise the fresh texture of the heirloom tomatoes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Does the recipe contain added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the ripe heirloom tomatoes.
What is the first step of the preparation process?
The first step is roughly chopping the tomatoes and allowing them to drain with salt for 15 minutes.
What is the final step before serving the salsa?
The final step is to chop the tomatoes again with fresh coriander and stir in the lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The quantities provided in the recipe are intended for one serving.
What category of dish is this?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish and can serve as a condiment or appetizer.
Should the chili pepper be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the chili should be deseeded and finely chopped before being added.
What specific vinegar is recommended?
The recipe recommends using red wine vinegar for the best flavor balance.
Can I use standard red tomatoes instead of heirlooms?
You can use standard tomatoes, but the salsa will lack the specific color variety and sweetness heirlooms provide.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is a healthy option made with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil.