If you’re craving a burst of summer in every bite, this Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad is your answer! Sweet, juicy tomatoes meet a tangy, garlicky dressing and a flurry of fresh herbs—each forkful is like a mini Mediterranean vacation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Peak Summer Flavor: Each slice of tomato is plump and wonderfully juicy, soaking up the sunshine in every bite.
- Fast and Foolproof: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute side or light meal.
- Authentic Spanish Vibes: With fragrant sherry vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, you’ll instantly be transported to a sun-soaked Spanish terraza.
- Irresistibly Adaptable: From backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties, this salad shines in any setting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore most about this Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad is how you only need a handful of ingredients—but every single one truly counts. Each component adds a layer of flavor, melding together to create the most harmonious, sun-kissed side dish you’ll want all summer long.
- 2 large tomatoes: The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm, and intensely fragrant tomatoes—heirloom or vine-ripened work beautifully—since their freshness is everything.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Look for a fruity, high-quality Spanish olive oil if possible; it will make your dressing shine.
- 1/2 tbsp sherry vinegar: This classic Spanish vinegar adds a unique tang—if you can’t find it, a white wine vinegar is a good backup.
- 1 clove garlic: Just a touch, finely grated, infuses the salad with bold flavor but never overwhelms.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Earthy, floral oregano echoes the warmth of Spanish fields—don’t skip it!
- Handful of finely chopped parsley: This fresh, bright herb is scattered over the top for the prettiest (and tastiest) finish.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning brings out every nuance in the tomatoes and dressing.
Variations
The beauty of a Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad is that it welcomes your creativity—think of it as a playful canvas for whatever’s in your fridge or garden. Feel free to swap, add, or adjust ingredients to suit your mood, tastebuds, or any guests around your table!
- Colorful Add-Ins: Try adding sliced cucumbers, sweet red onion, or vibrant bell peppers for crunch and color.
- Cheese Twist: Toss in creamy feta or torn fresh mozzarella for a lush, Mediterranean spin.
- Fresh Herb Swap: Mix it up with fresh basil, mint, or cilantro instead of (or in addition to) parsley for a new herbal vibe.
- Olive Upgrade: Scatter in a handful of briny black or green olives for extra Spanish flair.
How to Make Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad
Step 1: Slice & Salt the Tomatoes
Start by washing and gently patting your tomatoes dry. Using a sharp knife, slice them into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick is just right. Lay the slices in a single layer on a cutting board or platter, then sprinkle just one side generously with sea salt and black pepper. This not only seasons the tomatoes deeply but also draws out a little moisture, making each slice extra flavorful. Let them rest for about 5 minutes—that’s your secret to intensified tomato goodness!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and sherry vinegar. Finely grate in your garlic clove (a microplane is your best friend here!), add the dried oregano, and season lightly with a pinch each of sea salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together so that the flavors marry. You should smell that heady, zingy aroma—so tempting!
Step 3: Assemble and Finish
After the tomatoes have rested, carefully transfer them to a serving dish, shaking off any excess moisture as you go. Drizzle the garlicky dressing all over, making sure every tomato slice gets a little love. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Give your salad a gentle toss or leave it artfully layered—you really can’t go wrong. Serve and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad
- Tomato Selection Wisdom: Always choose tomatoes that smell sweet and feel heavy for their size—these will yield the juiciest and most flavorful salad.
- Salt Resting Magic: Letting the tomatoes sit with salt for a few minutes is the chef’s trick for concentrating flavor and creating a naturally seasoned base (never skip this step!).
- Garlic Grating Technique: Use a microplane or the fine side of a grater for the garlic—this way, it melts seamlessly into the dressing and infuses every single slice.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best, mouthwatering taste, let your salad sit at room temp for a little while before serving—the flavors will truly bloom.
How to Serve Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, always finish your Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad with an extra sprinkle of parsley or even a few torn basil leaves. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dusting of flaky sea salt or a light drizzle of top-notch olive oil for that irresistible glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This salad is endlessly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roast chicken, or a crusty slice of country bread to soak up the juices. For a real Spanish experience, serve alongside tapas like olives, manchego cheese, or jamón serrano—just pour yourself a glass of chilled white wine and bask in the Mediterranean vibes!
Creative Ways to Present
You can keep things rustic and layer the bright tomato slices artfully on a family-style platter, or go modern by shingling them on small plates for individual servings. Try stacking the slices and threading them onto skewers for adorable party bites, or spoon the salad over grilled bread for an easy appetizer twist. The presentation possibilities are as abundant as Spanish sunshine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad (though it tends to disappear fast!), simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 1-2 days. Just be aware that the tomatoes will continue to release their juices as they sit—the flavors meld, making it even more delicious as a next-day snack or light lunch.
Freezing
This salad is happiest when fresh, and unfortunately tomatoes change texture dramatically when frozen. Freezing is not recommended, as it will leave the tomatoes watery and mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy every bite within a couple days of making it.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature! If you’ve stored it in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can fully awaken.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of vinegar if I don’t have sherry vinegar?
Absolutely! While sherry vinegar delivers that true Spanish tang, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or even a touch of red wine vinegar in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously bright and summery.
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Do I need to peel the tomatoes for this salad?
No peeling required—just wash and dry the tomatoes well. The skin not only adds texture and color but also holds each slice together, making for a stunning, easy-to-eat presentation.
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Can I make Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the dressing and slice the tomatoes a few hours in advance. However, assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the freshest taste and texture—the tomatoes can get mushy if they sit too long in the dressing.
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How can I make this salad more filling?
Try adding cooked chickpeas, cannellini beans, or a handful of torn mozzarella or feta cheese. You can also spoon the salad over toasted bread for a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a taste of summer no matter the season, I hope you’ll treat yourself to this Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad. It’s a joyful, easy dish that brings people together and always disappears faster than you expect—so don’t be surprised if it becomes your own favorite, too. Give it a try and let the sunshine in!
Print
Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Spanish Tomato Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the freshness of ripe tomatoes with a zesty dressing. Perfect as a light side or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Handful of finely chopped parsley
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Thinly slice the tomatoes into 1/8 inch (.3175 cm) thick slices. Season with sea salt & black pepper on one side and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, sherry vinegar, grated garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the tomato slices to a serving dish, draining any excess water. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality Spanish olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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