HERBY TOMATO SALAD WITH TAMARIND-MAPLE DRESSING
Collect the juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find for this salad (the sweeter and fruitier, the better), which is amplified by an herby, piquant dressing. Start with cilantro, scallions, and Thai basil; perilla leaves lend a grassy, aniseed note. You can find them at Asian grocery stores or greenmarkets, but, if they're unavailable, substitute shiso or mint. Tamarind is very sour, too tart to enjoy on its own, but paired with a sweetener, such as maple syrup, honey or brown sugar, it sings with citrusy, smokey notes. Don't be afraid to add more maple, chile, salt or vinegar until you strike that harmonious sweet-sour balance. And, two final notes: If you're looking for a heartier salad, add 2 cups of cooked grains, like farro or quinoa, and feel free to use store-bought crispy fried shallots if tight on time.
Provided by Hetty McKinnon
Categories lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Start the salad: Cut the tomatoes into different shapes - this creates different textures and visual interest - and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a big pinch of salt, and set in the sink to drain as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Place a strainer over a heatproof bowl. Line a baking sheet or large plate with paper towels.
- Prepare the fried shallots: Add the oil and shallots to a medium saucepan, and place over low heat. Bring the oil to a simmer, stirring the shallots with a fork to separate the rings. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the shallots are light golden brown, watching them closely, as they will brown quickly toward the end of their cooking. (Don't let the shallots brown too much, as they will continue to cook after you take them out of the oil.)
- Remove the shallots to the strainer to drain, then transfer them to the paper towels. Season with salt and allow to cool. Reserve the oil. Shallots can be fried 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together all the ingredients.
- Assemble the salad: Combine the tomatoes, two-thirds of the herbs and scallions, and half the dressing. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. To finish, top with the remaining dressing, a drizzle of the shallot cooking oil and the rest of the herbs and scallions, then finally with the fried shallots. (Reserve remaining shallot oil for other uses, like vinaigrettes, stir-fries and soups.)
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Daniel Onyilo
[email protected]This salad is so delicious and easy to make. I love the tamarind-maple dressing.
Sajid Haider
[email protected]I've made this salad several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes.
SHAHIN SHAH
[email protected]This is the perfect summer salad. It's light, refreshing, and flavorful.
Brayden McCormick
[email protected]I made this salad for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it.
Victoria Vicky
[email protected]This salad is so easy to make, and it's so delicious. I highly recommend it.
Melika Cox
[email protected]I love the combination of sweet and tangy in this salad. It's the perfect balance.
Isma Soumah
[email protected]This salad is so addictive! I can't stop eating it.
Pocox3 Pro
[email protected]I've never been a big fan of tomato salad, but this one changed my mind. The dressing is amazing.
Hot x Sabbir
[email protected]This is a great salad to bring to a potluck or picnic. It's always a hit.
Mafuz Khan
[email protected]I made this salad for my family and they loved it. Even my picky kids ate it all up.
Josco fam.panda1
[email protected]This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. It's the perfect summer side dish.
Nabila Khanom
[email protected]I love how easy this salad is to make. It's perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Bearded Zaddy
[email protected]This is the best tomato salad I've ever had. The dressing is so flavorful and the tomatoes are so fresh and juicy.
Jt Knox
[email protected]I've made this salad countless times, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors is just perfect.
Hussaini Zaidi
[email protected]This salad was a hit at my last dinner party! The tamarind-maple dressing is to die for.