Heirloom Tomato Salad-Two Ways
I have two easy and delicious salads here that can be the main course or a side dish with any protein.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl Large
- 1 mixing bowl Small
- 1 salad serving bowl Large
- 1 liquid measuring cup 2-cup
- 1 whisk
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 saucepot 3-quart
- 1 mesh sieve Large
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Red Wine Vinaigrette: Yields: approx. 8 ounces
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic Freshly-grated
- 1/2 cup *E.V.O.O.
- 2 tbsps Agave nectar (substitute granulated sugar)
- 1 1/2 tbsps kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsps black pepper Freshly-ground
Ingredients for the Herb-Marinated Bocconcini:
- 1 8-ounce package Bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls or pearls)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Italian flat-leaf parsley Finely chopped, substitute dried
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper Freshly-ground
- 1/4 cup *E.V.O.O
Ingredients for the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Bocconcini and Sopressata:
- 8 cups heirloom tomatoes Halved and sliced into wedges (depending on whether whole or grape-size tomatoes)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups diced Sopressata Optional (substitute diced Genoa salami)
- 8 ounces Herb-Marinated Bocconcini
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves Roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette
Ingredients for the Lemon Vinaigrette: Yields approx. 8 ounces
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 3 juicy lemons
- 2 tbsps finely minced shallot Optional
- 1 tbsp freshly-grated garlic Optional
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper Freshly-ground
- 2 tbsp Agave nectar (substitute honey)
- 1 tsp Italian flat-leaf parsley Finely minced, optional
- 1/2 cup *E.V.O.O.
Ingredients for the Artichoke, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad:
- 1 pound Orzo Cooked, drained, and cooled
- 2 cups arugula
- 4 cups heirloom tomatoes Diced or halved (depending on whether whole or grape size)
- 1 14.6-ounce jar long-stemmed artichokes hearts Halved
- 1 8-ounce package Bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls)
- 1/4 cup Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions
- 1) Instructions for the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Bocconcini and Sopressata:Instructions for the Red Wine Vinaigrette:Add all ingredients to an 8-ounce jelly jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake all the ingredients together until well combined.Instructions for the Herb Marinated Bocconcini:Separate all the mini mozzarella balls and place them into a small mixing bowl along with the other ingredients. Using a spoon, gently toss to combine and set aside.Instructions for the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Bocconcini and Sopressata:In a large mixing bowl, add the tomato halves and wedges. Add the marinated bocconcini, Sopressata, and chopped tarragon. Pour the dressing over and toss. Transfer to a large salad serving bowl. Serve with your favorite bread.2) Instructions for the Artichoke, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad: Instructions for the Lemon Vinaigrette:Add all ingredients to an 8-ounce jelly jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake all the ingredients together until well combined.Instructions for cooking the Orzo:Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water until it is completely cool. Drain a final time before adding it to the salad.Instructions for the Artichoke, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced and halved heirloom tomatoes, cooked and cooled orzo pasta, halved artichokes, bocconcini, arugula leaves, Kosher salt, fresh-ground black pepper, and Italian flat-leaf parsley. Pour 1/4 cup of my Lemon Vinaigrette over the top, and toss to combine. Next, transfer to a large salad serving bowl. My Artichoke, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad is so delicious you'll be asked to make it over and over again.There you have it, my Heirloom Tomato Salad-Two Ways.
Notes
1) *E.V.O.O. is an acronym for Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2) The Kcal count for this post is for the Artichoke, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad.
3) Linda Lou Hamel is not a nutritionist or dietitian, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and nutritional value are important to you, I recommend running the ingredients through the online nutritional calculator of your choice. Calories and values can vary depending on the brands you choose.