Mediterranean Tomato Salad Recipe Is Fresh & Savory Italian Goodness (4 Ingredients, 5 Minutes) by Elisa Schmitz

I'm feeling lucky that my local farmers' market stays open until the end of October because it means that we can enjoy the vine-ripe tomatoes just a little bit longer. On my most recent trip to the market, I found some beautiful heirloom tomatoes at their peak of ripeness. I also had a great discussion with a local Italian chef who was selling some of the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dried oregano that she imports directly from Italy. When I told her I had just scored these amazing tomatoes, a tomato salad was born.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

She explained how in the Mediterranean, they make a simple tomato salad using only four ingredients: ripe tomatoes, excellent quality olive oil and balsamic, and locally-grown oregano. It sounded so good to me that I rushed home from the market and made the salad right away. Wow, this Mediterranean tomato salad recipe is fresh and savory Italian goodness!

The farm-to-table tomatoes are drizzled in a good quality balsamic and extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkled with Italian oregano. This gorgeous salad has an irresistible flavor that will make you feel like you're in Italy. Plus, check out the health benefits of tomatoes, the health benefits of olive oil and the health benefits of oregano. The simple salad is a nutritious addition to a healthy Mediterranean diet.

To make this simple Italian tomato salad recipe, here are the gluten-free ingredients you'll need to gather: fresh tomatoes, a good quality extra virgin olive oil, a good quality balsamic vinegar and a good quality dried oregano. Simply layer the tomatoes on a plate, then drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic. Sprinkle the oregano on top and serve. All in about five minutes, and budget-friendly, too.

You can serve this flavorful Mediterranean tomato salad for lunch or as a vegetarian side dish with just about any dinner. I served it with some pasta and it was a wonderful complement. Easy and delicious!

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes (about 1 1/2 cups), sliced (I used heirloom tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional, but I used about 1/4 teaspoon of each)

Here's how to make it:

1. On a medium to large plate or serving dish, layer the tomatoes. (I used colorful heirlooms, but you can use your favorite tomatoes.)
   
2. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the top of the tomatoes.
   
3. Evenly sprinkle the oregano over the top of the salad. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on top, if using, and serve.
   
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
   

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