Some flavours are just better together and one of the best examples is the synergy between tomatoes and fresh basil. Make this quick salad by Heleen Meyer and enjoy with any meal of your choice. This combination is also known as the Italian Caprese salad, but you can ring the changes by changing just one or two of the ingredients.
Be creative with the type of tomatoes you use, whether they are large or small, red, yellow or green. A combination of tomatoes is delicious to use, and it looks beautiful too. Cut large tomatoes into slices, wedges or large cubes and halve baby tomatoes for a variety of shapes and textures.
Fresh basil leaves are absolutely fabulous with tomatoes, but try fresh origanum, mint or Italian parsley the next time you make this salad, as all these fresh herbs are really good with tomatoes.
Say cheese!
Almost any cheese can be added to the salad, but feta or mozzarella are particularly good with the rest of the flavours. If you’re feeling fancy, use bocconcini (fresh small mozzarella balls) for a delicious alternative to feta. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or any of the vinegar options mentioned in the recipe. A good grind of black pepper is all you need to finish this tasty and refreshing salad. Enjoy!
Tomato salad
Serves 6
Recipe by Heleen Meyer for Cooking from the heart SA, by Pharma Dynamics
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
10 ml (2 tsp) balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
black pepper to taste
4 large ripe tomatoes, or use a combination of large and baby tomatoes
1 slice feta, crumbled or any other cheese of your choice
a large handful fresh basil leaves, origanum, mint or Italian parsley
1. Mix oil and vinegar in a bowl and season with pepper to form a dressing.
2. Slice tomatoes and place with the feta in the dressing. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Arrange tomato and feta on a salad platter or place in a salad bowl, with the herbs scattered in between.
Tips:
1. Arrange the tomatoes on thinly sliced or shredded spinach leaves for extra colour and flavour.
2. A balsamic glaze (or reduction) will be a delicious dressing for this salad.
3. Add thin slices of cucumber for a variation, if preferred.
Visit Heleen’s website (www.heleenmeyer.co.za) for more recipes like this.
Image by Adel Ferreira