Imagine a salad that transforms the humble cherry tomato into a culinary masterpiece, where each bite tells a story of contrasting textures and intense flavors. This Raw and Roasted Cherry Tomato Salad isn't just a side dish - it's a gastronomic adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. By combining the bright, fresh essence of raw tomatoes with the deep, caramelized sweetness of roasted ones, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Take 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the seasoned whole cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly charred and begin to burst, releasing their natural sweetness.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the raw tomatoes by halving the remaining 2 cups of cherry tomatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw halved tomatoes with the roasted tomatoes once they are done.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes.
- Gently toss the tomatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving, tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the salad for added aroma and flavor.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the contrast between the raw and roasted tomatoes.
Tips
- Choose the freshest, most vibrant cherry tomatoes you can find - their quality will make or break this dish.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for maximum flavor depth.
- Don't rush the roasting process - let the tomatoes caramelize slowly to develop their natural sweetness.
- Make sure to spread the tomatoes in a single layer when roasting to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- For the best flavor, serve the salad at room temperature to allow the ingredients' natural aromas to shine.
- If possible, use fresh basil just picked from the garden for an incredible aromatic boost.
- Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or thyme to personalize your salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
