This Spanish tomato salad recipe is an homage to the sun kissed tomatoes growing in gardens all over the country. If you have tasted a Spanish tomato before you will know that it is juicy, bursting with flavour and makes every recipe taste better. In this salad, the tomato is simply shining! Very popular in tapas bars and restaurants all over the country, the Spanish tomato salad is very easy to make at home, requiring only a few simple ingredients. Close your eyes, take a bite, and you’ll find yourself back in Spain, enjoying an al fresco meal in the sunshine.
The Ingredients for the Spanish Tomato Salad Recipe
The main ingredient to make this wonderful and full of flavour Spanish tomato salad are high quality tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes, preferably heirloom or sun-ripened varieties. I use the ones I grow myself, in my garden. You will also need garlic, which I usually go heavy on. Who doesn’t love garlic? To season the salad, you will need extra virgin olive oil, Jerez sherry vinegar, oregano and fresh parsley.
How To Make Spanish Tomates Aliñados
Follow these simple steps to create a flavourful Spanish tomato salad:
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into wedges or thin slices, depending on your preference. Arrange them on a plate or in a shallow bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to the dressing, tasting as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right.
- Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the tomato slices, ensuring each piece is coated in the flavourful mixture.
- Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the juicy tomatoes and vibrant dressing to shine.
Notes and Tips
- For this recipe is very important to get high quality tomatoes. The tomatoes in Spair are juicy, with a lot of taste, not like the carboard-tasting ones from supermarkets, which have never seen the sun. For this recipe to taste fantastic, you need proper juicy, sun kissed tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil is a staple of Spanish cuisine. Opt for a high-quality brand to elevate the taste of your salad.
- If you can’t find sherry vinegar, you can replace it with a high acidity variety such as red or white wine vinegar.
Southern Spanish Tomato Salad Recipe – Tomates Aliñados
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe tomatoes
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Jerez sherry vinegar
- parsley to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into slices or wedges.
- Make the dressing for the salad by mixing the extra virgin olive oil with the sherry vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and chopped parsley.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
- Place the tomatoes on a plate or in a bowl, and pour the dressing over them.
- Serve after a few minutes, allowing the tomatoes to infuse with the dressing.
FAQ:
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While the dressing can be made ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to preserve the freshness and texture of the tomatoes.
What can I use instead of Jerez sherry vinegar?
If you can’t find Jerez sherry vinegar, a good-quality red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work as a substitute, though the flavour profile will differ slightly.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, Tomates Aliñados is naturally vegan, making it an excellent option for plant-based eaters.
What should I serve with Tomates Aliñados?
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, manchego cheese, or grilled meats and seafood for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
For similar vegetarian recipes, check out my recommendations below:
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