Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Tomato Salad with Crispy Garlic! Imagine a dish that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the rich, golden crunch of perfectly sautéed garlic. This isn't just a salad – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy, all in just 15 minutes of preparation time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the 4 ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any excess seeds if desired for a less watery salad.
- Next, wash and chop the 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Add the chopped basil to the bowl with the tomatoes, allowing its fresh aroma to infuse the salad.
- In a small skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook the garlic until it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- As the garlic cooks, season the tomato and basil mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine the flavors.
- Once the garlic is crispy and golden, carefully pour the hot oil and garlic mixture over the tomato and basil salad. The heat from the oil will slightly wilt the basil and enhance the flavors.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that the tomatoes are well coated with the garlic oil and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done while you prepare any additional dishes or simply enjoy the aroma.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Tomato Salad with Crispy Garlic in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
- Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian-style tomato salad as a side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes at the peak of their season for the most intense flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best.
- Garlic Technique: Watch your garlic carefully while cooking – the difference between golden and burnt is just seconds! Use medium heat and stir constantly.
- Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and authentic Italian feel.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad is versatile – serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for bruschetta. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 154kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
