Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

Cherry tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad.

Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Olive oil: A key component of the dressing, adding richness and depth.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.

Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthy, herbal notes to the salad.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the salad.

When preparing the cherry tomatoes, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and avoid squishing them. This helps maintain their shape and texture in the salad. Additionally, to mellow the bite of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mix. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall flavor balance of the dish.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: They have a similar size and sweetness, making them a great alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with heirloom tomatoes: These can add a variety of colors and flavors to the salad.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good replacement.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with celery: Celery provides a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to red onions.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can provide a milder onion flavor and a bit of color.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and works well in salads.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy flavor that complements salads well.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweet and rich flavor to the salad.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a different but complementary herb flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning includes oregano along with other herbs, adding a complex flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor.

• To store your cherry tomato salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness of the vegetables and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Beyond this, the cucumber and cherry tomatoes may start to lose their crispness.

• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar with the dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small jar. This way, you can toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.

• For freezing, it's generally not recommended to freeze cherry tomato salad as the texture of the tomatoes and cucumbers will change upon thawing, becoming mushy and less appetizing.

• If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing separately. Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can have pre-portioned dressing ready to go for future salads.

• When you're ready to use the frozen dressing, simply thaw the cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Toss with freshly prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a quick and easy salad.

• Always label your containers with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the salad has been stored and ensure you consume it while it's still fresh.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the cherry tomato salad in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval until the salad is warmed through.
  4. Be cautious not to overheat, as cherry tomatoes can become mushy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Transfer the cherry tomato salad to a non-stick skillet.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
  3. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the salad reaches your desired temperature.
  4. Avoid high heat to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Spread the cherry tomato salad evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the salad with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the salad is warming evenly.
  5. Remove from the oven once the salad is heated through.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. If you prefer not to heat the cherry tomato salad, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. This allows the salad to lose its chill and the flavors to meld naturally.
  3. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for halving the cherry tomatoes and dicing the cucumber.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and dice the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Tools to accurately measure out the cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

• Salad tongs: Utensils to toss the salad ingredients together.

• Serving bowl: A bowl to present the salad once it is prepared.

• Mandoline slicer: An optional tool to thinly slice the red onion quickly and uniformly.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a mandoline slicer: Quickly slice the red onion thinly with a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces.

Pre-mix the dressing: Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano in a jar and shake well. Store it in the fridge until needed.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the salad and store it in an airtight container for easy access throughout the week.