Tomato Vinaigrette is one of my go-to dressings when I want something bright, tangy, and full of fresh flavor.
Contents
Tomato vinaigrette recipe
Tomato vinaigrette is a flavorful salad dressing from Mediterranean cuisine, where tomatoes and olive oil form the cornerstone of many dishes. It’s made with ripe tomatoes that add a natural sweetness and a juicy texture, blending beautifully with olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Why choose tomato vinaigrette?
- Bright and fresh flavor.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Versatile application across cuisines
- Year-round adaptability
Here’s how to make the tomato vinaigrette:
Tomato vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe tomato diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a touch of sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place the diced tomato in a small bowl and gently mash it with a fork to release some of the juices.
- Add the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in fresh herbs, if desired.
- Whisk or stir until everything is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Serve immediately over your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade.
How to pair and serve
Discover creative ways to serve tomato salad dressing for maximum flavor impact.
1. Salad Applications
- Green Salads:
- Mixed greens
- Arugula
- Baby spinach
- Endive
- Grain Salads:
- Quinoa buddha bowls
- Farro with roasted vegetables
- Bulgur
- Pearl couscous
- Brown rice medley
- Ancient grain mix
- Pasta Salads:
- Orzo
- Fusilli
- Penne
- Pasta primavera
- Tortellini
2. Vegetables
- Fresh Vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Roasted Vegetables:
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Brussels sprouts
3. Protein Pairings
- Fish and Seafood:
- Grilled salmon
- Pan-seared cod
- Shrimp skewers
- Seared tuna
- Poultry Options:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Roasted turkey
- Duck breast
- Cornish hen
- Plant-Based Proteins:
- Grilled tofu
- Tempeh
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
4. Maridane Tips
| Protein Type | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Fish | 30 mins | Refrigerated |
| Chicken | 2-4 hours | Refrigerated |
| Vegetables | 1-2 hours | Room temp |
Variations
Tomato vinaigrette offers endless variations, each adding unique flavors to salads and dishes.
1. Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette
Instead of using fresh tomatoes, bake them:
- Roasted temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Time: 25-30 minutes
- Signs of doneness: Caramelized edges, concentrated flavor
Flavor Enhancements:
- Caramelization adds sweetness
- Concentrated umami notes
- Deeper color and richer texture
2. Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Add ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard to balance the sweetness of balsamic.
- Use 1 medium fresh tomato, diced.
- Replace red wine vinegar with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
3. Tomato Swap
- Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
- Replace tomato with 2-3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and finely chopped).
- Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons since the sun-dried tomatoes add richness.
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Use ½ cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, as cherry tomatoes can be sweeter than regular ones.
4. Charred Tomato Vinaigrette
- Charred tomatoes on a grill or in a skillet until blackened, then roughly chopped.
- Add a small pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
5. Smoked Version
- Use 1 medium fresh tomato, diced.
- Add a few drops of liquid smoke or 1/8 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
