Tomato Olive Salad
Tomato Olive Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that combines the juicy, ripe steamed or fresh tomatoes and the rich, salty flavor of Kalamata olives, creating a perfect taste and texture.
- Servings 2
- Preparation time 15 min
Ingredients Tomato Olive Salad
Salad:
- Five medium-sized tomatoes, preferably plum tomatoes
- One diced white onion
- ½ cup of salted Kalamata olives (whole or pitted)
Salad Dressing:
Mix in a small bowl the following ingredients:
- ½ of a lime or lemon juice
- Half teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Three tablespoons of good quality extra-virgin olive oil
- Three tsp. of rice or wine vinegar
Preparation
- First, remove a slice from the tomato’s green stem end before steaming.
- Put tomatoes in a steamer and steam on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the skin starts to come off.
- Note: If you don’t have a steamer, drop the tomatoes into boiling water for about 35 seconds.
- Drain tomatoes and peel off their skin when they cool down.
- Cut the flesh of steamed tomatoes into thick slices and put them on a plate.
- Add olives and previously cut white onion on top of tomatoes
- Pour salad dressing over the salad and serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Tips
Choosing Tomatoes: For this salad, opt for ripe, firm plum tomatoes. Their meaty texture and lower moisture content make them ideal for a salad that is not too watery. If plum tomatoes are unavailable, you can use any fresh tomatoes.
Prepping Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into uniform pieces, whether wedges or chunks, to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
Handling Kalamata Olives: Salted Kalamata olives can be pretty salty. If you prefer a less salty flavor, rinse them under cold water before adding them to the salad.
Dicing the Onion: Aim for a fine dice for the white onion to ensure its flavor melds well with the other ingredients without overpowering them. Soaking the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining and adding it to the salad can mellow its sharpness.
Dressing Preparation: When preparing the salad dressing, using fresh lime or lemon juice is vital for that bright, acidic kick that will lift the flavors of the tomatoes and olives. Whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, lime or lemon juice, and ground black pepper in a small bowl ensures a well-emulsified dressing that will coat each ingredient evenly.
Mixing the Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated for the perfect bite every time.
Letting It Marinate: If time allows, let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes after adding the dressing. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Serving Suggestions: To best appreciate its flavors, serve the Tomato Olive Salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats seafood, or as a refreshing side to a hearty meal.