Alice Waters Simple Tomato Salad
Vegetarian
This savory Mediterranean salad—based on ripe, tasty tomatoes—was inspired by one of her beautiful cookbooks. It makes a great excuse to search out some fresh tomatoes at your local market. Then you can make this fabulously simple, delicious salad in honor of Alice!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ripe juicy tomatoes, heirloom varieties if possible
- 1/2 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
- 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- handful fresh basil leaves
- garlic croutons (optional)
Preparation
- Wash and core tomatoes and cut into thick slices or wedges.
- Peel the garlic. In the salad bowl or platter you wish to use, rub the garlic, using the tips of a fork, to make a puree. Add the vinegar and oil. Then add the tomatoes, tossing gently to coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Slice mozzarella and tuck decoratively in and around the tomatoes. Scatter top of salad with basil leaves.
- Add croutons, if using, to soak up the delicious juices.
Source: Inspired by Fanny at Chez Panisse, by Alice Waters (from here)
From: Ryan MacMichael