Outback Tomato Medley
The Outback Tomato Medley is a delightful, vibrant dish inspired by the eclectic flavors of Australian cuisine. This refreshing medley includes a variety of fresh tomatoes, enhancing the natural sweetness and acidity found in these juicy gems. A delicious celebration of summer produce, it is often served as a side dish or as a refreshing topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes - 1 cup
- Grape Tomatoes - 1 cup
- Heirloom Tomatoes - 1 large, sliced
- Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Basil - 1/4 cup, chopped
- Balsamic Vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic - 1 clove, minced
- Red Onion - 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Sea Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
Preparation
Begin by thoroughly washing the cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes. Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves and quarter the grape tomatoes. As for the heirloom tomato, it should be washed and sliced into wedges.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered grape tomatoes, and sliced heirloom tomato. Add in the minced garlic and thinly sliced red onion for an added depth of flavor.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the combined ingredients and gently toss to ensure even distribution of flavors. If desired, let it marinate for ten minutes to allow the vinegar to soak in.
Finally, season the medley with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Lightly toss with the freshly chopped basil, which adds a refreshing finish to the dish.
Cooking Process
As this is a cold salad, there is no need for cooking in the traditional sense. However, to enrich the flavors, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes. To ensure precision, use a cooking timer to monitor the time. Once the skin begins to blister, remove them from the oven to cool before tossing in the medley.
Serving Suggestions
The Outback Tomato Medley is incredibly versatile. You could serve it chilled as a salad or a side dish for barbecues. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken or shrimp, enhancing the freshness of the main dish. Furthermore, serve the medley on top of crusty bread slices for a bruschetta-style appetizer.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate this culinary work of art, pair it with a crisp white wine or an iced tea. The sharpness of the wine or the coolness of the tea contrasts beautifully with the savory sweetness of the medley.
Remember, the secret to this dish lies in using the freshest ingredients available, so don’t hesitate to visit your local farmers market. Enjoy this Outback Tomato Medley with friends and family or as a refreshing solo meal.