Mojete Huertano - Spanish Garden Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs) 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs)
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced (300g / 10.6 oz) 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced (300g / 10.6 oz)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz) 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15ml) 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Spanish garden salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Bell peppers — Use a combination of red and green bell peppers to add both sweetness and a slight bitterness to the salad.
• Red onion — Soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharp flavor.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the salad.
• Olive oil — Opt for extra virgin olive oil to enhance the salad's taste and provide a fruity aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of pitted black olives or capers to the salad.
• Serve the Mojete Huertano with crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
• Customize the salad by adding some diced cucumber or avocado for a refreshing twist.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
• Make a larger batch of the vinaigrette and keep it in the fridge for future use in other salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Mojete Huertano as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and peppers to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh oregano or parsley for an added touch of freshness.