Tomato and Olive Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced (800g) 4 large tomatoes, sliced (800g)
• 1 cup (150g) mixed olives, pitted 1 cup (150g) mixed olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, olives, torn basil leaves, and chopped parsley.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the Tomato and Olive Salad chilled or at room temperature.

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.
• Olives — Opt for a variety of olives such as Kalamata, green, or black olives to add depth to the salad.
• Basil and parsley — Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavors. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dressing.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese on top of the salad.
• Serve the Tomato and Olive Salad with a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious dressing.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as red onions, capers, or cucumbers.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Make sure to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Tomato and Olive Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced tomatoes and olives on a platter, and sprinkle the torn basil leaves and chopped parsley on top for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the colors and flavors fresh.