Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad

Tomatoes are not only a fruit but also a berry since they’re formed from a single ovary. And the French sometimes refer to the tomato as pomme d’amour, meaning “love apple,” and why wouldn’t they? Ovaries make a great salad!

These versatile fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, biotin, molybdenum, and vitamin K. They are also a very good source of copper, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin B6, folate, niacin, vitamin E, and phosphorus.

Let’s not forget that tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their rich concentration of lycopene. The lycopene in tomatoes play a special role in bone health and fighting off osteoporosis. 

Since tomatoes are sensitive to cold, and it will impede their ripening process, store them at room temperature and out of direct exposure to sunlight. They will keep for up to a week, depending upon how ripe they are when purchased. Always buy tomatoes locally when possible, you’ll notice the difference in taste. Then, throw them into everything!

This salad is so easy to make and allows you to enjoy the wonderful sweet taste of the tomatoes.

Serves 4 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 0 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or mustard and lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt and ground pepper

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar or mustard and lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.  Add tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, basil (or both) and toss to combine. You can even serve on a bed of arugula or your favorite lettuce.

Note: To reduce the strong onion flavor, soak chopped onion in a bowl of ice water or vinegar for 20 minutes; drain, and then add to the salad.