Summer's almost here, and that means one thing: heirloom tomatoes are bursting with flavor! This vibrant Tomato & Onion Salad with Za'atar is a twist on the classic, with a unique touch thanks to the aromatic spice, za'atar.
Photo by Filipp Romanovski on Unsplash
Simple & Flavorful:
This salad is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Juicy heirloom tomatoes and creamy avocado come together in a perfect pairing of textures, while the za'atar adds a warm, earthy depth that sets it apart from the typical Tomato Salad. Plus, it's packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Packed with Goodness:
Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash
Here's what makes this salad a nutritional powerhouse:
Tomatoes: These colorful beauties are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Red Onions: Finely chopped red onions add a bit of bite and vibrant color. They're also a prebiotic food, promoting gut health, and contain beneficial plant chemicals, anthocyanins
Avocado: This creamy superfood provides healthy fats that keep you feeling full and aid nutrient absorption. Avocados are also a good source of potassium and essential vitamins.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats and facilitates nutrient absorption.
Pine Nuts: These little nutritional gems add a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery taste. They're also a good source of unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s), and other nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and manganese.
Quick & Easy to Make:
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. With minimal chopping and assembling, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in just a few steps. It's perfect for a light lunch, refreshing appetizer, or a stunning addition to your summer barbecue spread.
Now, let's turn these ingredients into a delicious summer showstopper!
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Za'atar
Ingredients (Serves 2):
350g tomatoes – a mix of colors for visual appeal (large green, red, and yellow; cherry tomatoes will work as well)
½ red onion, or 1 small, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 ½ tablespoons Za'atar
2 teaspoons vinegar (red wine or balsamico)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
To Garnish:
Small bunch (about 10g) fresh mint leaves, chopped
15g pine nuts, toasted
Optional:
1 mozarella ball
Preparation:
In a small bowl, combine the sliced onion, Za'atar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Massage the ingredients together to ensure the seasoning coats the onions. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cut the larger tomatoes in half lengthwise and then into 1-1.5cm wedges. Place them in a large bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl as well.
Pour in the olive oil, add the basil leaves, a third of a teaspoon of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Gently toss the ingredients with your hands until well combined.
Arrange the tomatoes on a large platter, add slices of avocado and spread the marinated onions on top. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad for an extra textural and flavor element.
Enjoy this summery tomato salad with a slice of sourdough bread as a refreshing appetizer. Or, for a more complete meal, add a mozzarella ball
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