Tomato Salad
This refreshing tomato salad highlights the natural flavor of ripe tomatoes, enhanced by a few simple ingredients. Salt plays a crucial role by drawing out the tomatoes' juices, intensifying their taste and creating a flavorful base for the dressing. The mingling of these juices with shallot, olive oil, and lemon juice results in a dressing that is so delicious it becomes the main reason to prepare this salad.
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons finely chopped shallot or red onion
- Juice from half a lemon approximately 1½ tablespoons
- 1½ to 2 pounds ripe tomatoes about 3 large or 2 pints
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 20 basil leaves torn if large
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shallot and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside while preparing the tomatoes.
- Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl as you go. Season generously with salt and mix gently to combine.
- Slowly stir in the olive oil, followed by the torn basil leaves. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if desired.
- Serve immediately, or allow the salad to rest for up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.