Creamy Fresh Tomato Salad
Dumb Simple Tomato Salad Crammed With Flavor!
I was at the farmers market last week and came across a 1$ basket of “uglies” – tomatoes and peppers a bit past their prime. The tomato had a bruise on it, but the size and the way it smelled at the stem told the story: this was a big tasty tomato the likes of which we don’t usually see here in Erieland until much later in the summer. (Think August – at least.)
Tomato Salad is a throwback recipe.
Both my parents loved juicy tomatoes almost any way they could get them, but these were a special treat. My Mom usually peeled the tomatoes, although I don’t. It’s entirely up to you. They are more tender peeled. If you want to give it a try, check out this helpful peeling tutorial from An Oregon Cottage on “How to Peel Tomatoes the easy Way”.
Before we get started on the Tomato Salad, a note on dicing the tomatoes. The best way to cut tomatoes, bar none, is with a serrated knife (affiliate link). The serrated knife works best for slicing bread too, so you might already have one around the house. If you don’t, I’d highly recommend adding it to your stash – serrated knives aren’t nearly as pricey as regular knives.
SALTING tomatoes is imperative
I don’t ever use tomatoes that I don’t salt them and let them sit for at least a few minutes after they’re cut. It brings out the best flavor and texture, even in the middle of the winter when grocery store tomatoes are meh at best. In this recipe, the water that comes out of the tomatoes is tasty part of the dressing.
Put the cut tomatoes in a mixing bowl (affiliate link) to keep all of the juice.
Add the celery.
And the mayo.
And mix it all up.
That’s Creamy Tomato Salad. Isn’t it beautiful ?
Add – ins are a fun go to with this – capers are awesome, white beans add some oomph, tuna is a meaty addition. Green onions and mozzarella are a good punch up as well. Use whatever strikes your fancy!
Creamy Fresh Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large Tomato, ripe
- 1 Celery stalk, cut into 1/4" dice
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- Kosher Salt
Optional Suggested Additions
- Capers
- Cucumbers, chopped
- Tuna
- Cannelloni Beans
- Red Bell Pepper
- Sliced Green Onions
- Mozzarella Cubes
Instructions
- Cut tomato into 1" or desired dice. Place in mixing bowl and sprinkle liberally with Kosher Salt. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Add additional salad ingredients, including add-ins if desired. Mix well.
- Best served cold.
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