Name: Simple Tomato Salad
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds mixed ripe tomatoes, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted; 1 tablespoon torn fresh basil leaves

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe starts with the ripest tomatoes you can find, either at the farmers’ market or at the grocery store. Because tomatoes are already fairly acidic, we found that a dressing made with the typical 3:1 ratio of oil to acid was too sharp. Adjusting the amount of lemon juice to minimize the acidity perfectly balanced the salad. A minced shallot added just a bit of sweetness and crunch, while torn basil leaves completed the salad with a fresh note.

Before You Begin

For the best results, use peak-of-the-season tomatoes. Serve this salad with crusty bread to sop up the dressing.

Instructions

Arrange tomatoes on large, shallow platter. Whisk oil, shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in bowl. Spoon dressing over tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts and basil. Serve immediately.