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Fresh Grandma’s Summer Tomato Recipe

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A simple, refreshing summer tomato salad featuring fresh garden tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a light dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large ripe garden tomatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), preferably heirloom or vine-ripened
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
  • Optional: crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella balls (for dairy addition)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili (for spicy kick)
  • Optional: fresh oregano or mint (as herb substitute)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to prevent watering down the salad. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. Slice the tomatoes into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds. Arrange gently in a mixing bowl or serving dish, trying not to break them. (5 minutes)
  3. Peel and finely mince one clove of garlic. (2 minutes)
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (3 minutes)
  5. Pour the dressing evenly over the sliced tomatoes. Gently toss with fresh basil leaves and optional sliced red onion, ensuring every slice is coated. (3 minutes)
  6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend and tomatoes to soften slightly.

Notes

Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid mushy texture. Mince garlic finely and add just before serving to avoid harsh bite. Let salad rest at room temperature for best flavor. Thinly slice red onion and soak briefly in cold water to reduce sharpness if desired. Avoid overdressing to let tomato flavor shine. Variations include adding cheese, swapping herbs, or roasting tomatoes for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer tomato salad, fresh tomato recipe, garden tomatoes, easy tomato salad, basil tomato salad, homemade tomato salad, fresh herbs, summer side dish

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/fresh-grandmas-summer-tomato-recipe-easy-homemade-garden-tomatoes-guide/