Tomato salad with roasted garlic and balsamic dressing
This tomato salad features roasted garlic and a tangy balsamic dressing, complemented by fresh basil and toasted pine nuts. It's a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect as a side or appetizer.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 55 min
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
4 tomatoes
1/2 cup basil leaves
2 tbsp pine nuts
Tomato salad with roasted garlic and balsamic dressing is a fresh and flavorful dish that makes a perfect appetizer or side salad. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic taste of roasted garlic, and the tangy punch of balsamic vinegar, all topped off with the nuttiness of pine nuts and the freshness of basil leaves. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
Instructions:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them on a small piece of aluminum foil.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the cloves and fold the foil to seal them into a small packet.
- Place the packet in the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and place them in a large salad bowl.
- In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once toasted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Once the garlic is roasted, mash the cloves into a paste using a fork.
- In a small bowl, combine the mashed garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the balsamic vinegar.
- Whisk the mixture until well combined.
- Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the tomatoes and basil.
- Pour the roasted garlic and balsamic dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the tomato salad immediately for the freshest taste. Enjoy!
Tomato salad with roasted garlic and balsamic dressing is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that captures the essence of fresh summer produce. With minimal effort, you can create a vibrant and tasty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a starter, a side, or even as a light main course, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Tomato salad with roasted garlic and balsamic dressing FAQ:
Roast the garlic cloves for about 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they are soft and caramelized.
It's best to serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. If you need to prepare it in advance, store the dressing separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
Ripe, juicy tomatoes like heirloom, vine-ripened, or Roma tomatoes are ideal for this salad due to their flavor and texture.
You can substitute pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts if you want a nut-free option.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release moisture, affecting the texture.
Tips:
- Use the freshest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor and texture. Heirloom varieties or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices.
- Roast the garlic slowly to develop a deep, sweet flavor without burning it.
- Feel free to toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar for a different but equally delicious taste.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 40kcal
Protein 1.15g
Carbohydrates 3.26g
Fiber 0.95g
Sugar 1.86g
Fat 6g
More recipes
Ricotta, tomato & basil torte
A savory ricotta, tomato & basil torte that's easy to make.
22 Dec 2025Edamame bean and prosciutto salad
A quick edamame and prosciutto salad with garlic dressing.
15 Nov 2025Chilled fresh tomato and basil soup
A refreshing chilled tomato and basil soup for hot days.
13 Feb 2026Grilled eggplant with feta, walnuts and honey dressing
A Mediterranean salad of grilled eggplant, feta, and walnuts.
02 Feb 2026