Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant essence of summer in every single bite - a culinary masterpiece that's not just a salad, but a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny streets of Spain! This Gazpacho Salad is more than just a recipe; it's a cool, crisp journey of fresh ingredients that promises to revolutionize your summer dining experience. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's so simple yet incredibly delicious, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Wash the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion thoroughly under cold running water.
- Dice the 4 ripe tomatoes into small cubes, ensuring to remove any tough stems. Place the diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, take the cucumber, peel it if desired (the skin can be left on for added texture and nutrients), and dice it into small pieces. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Now, take the bell pepper, remove the seeds and stem, and dice it into small cubes. Add the diced bell pepper to the mixing bowl.
- Peel the red onion and dice it finely. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. Add the onion to the bowl.
- Peel and mince the 2 cloves of garlic, then add them to the bowl with the other vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the diced vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, then adjust according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the gazpacho salad.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Transfer it to a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. You can either tear the basil leaves or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Your Taste of Gazpacho Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Tips
- Choose the Ripest Tomatoes: The secret to an outstanding gazpacho salad lies in using perfectly ripe, in-season tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are deep red, slightly soft to the touch, and have a rich, sweet aroma.
- Knife Skills Matter: Take your time dicing the vegetables into uniform, small cubes. This ensures that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Marination is Key: Let the salad sit for at least 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the overall taste profile.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the olive oil and vinegar ratio. Some prefer a tangier dressing, while others like it more mellow.
- Serve Chilled: For the most refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This works wonders on a hot summer day!
- Garnish Creatively: While basil is traditional, you can also try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 161kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
