Looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your summer meals? Look no further! This Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad is not just a feast for the eyes, but a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a refreshing salad that combines the juiciness of ripe tomatoes with the rich creaminess of blue cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Dive into our article to discover how to create this culinary delight that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 large tomatoes, 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the tomato slices on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Next, take the red onion and slice it thinly. You can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their flavor if desired, then drain and pat dry.
- Evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onion over the arranged tomato slices.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously over the tomatoes and onions, ensuring an even distribution for flavor in every bite.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad, ensuring to cover the tomatoes and cheese evenly.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- For an added touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course. Enjoy your Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom varieties add a beautiful color and taste to the salad.
- Soak the Onions: If you find raw red onions too pungent, soak the thin slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will mellow their flavor and make them more palatable.
- Quality Cheese Matters: Opt for a good quality blue cheese, as its bold flavor is the star of the dish. You can also experiment with different types of blue cheese to find your favorite.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnishing your salad with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a pop of color and freshness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Make it Ahead: While this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Slice the tomatoes and onions, crumble the cheese, and mix the dressing, then assemble just before serving to maintain the freshness.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a drizzle of honey can provide a delightful twist to the classic olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix.
- Serve Chilled: For an even more refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it perfect for hot days. Enjoy creating your Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad with these helpful tips!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
