Summer Tomato Salad

The combination of tomato salad and vegan grilled cheese is a perfect summer dish because it brings together the best of both worlds - the refreshing flavors of tomatoes and the comforting indulgence of grilled cheese. It's a light yet satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering or as a quick and easy lunch option.

Why is tomato salad good during summer?

Tomato salad is particularly good in summer for several reasons:

1. Seasonal Availability: Tomatoes are at their peak during the summer months, making them incredibly flavorful and juicy. They are abundant and readily available, often locally grown, which means you can enjoy the freshest and most delicious tomatoes in your salad.
2. Refreshing and Hydrating: Tomatoes have a high water content, which helps to keep you hydrated during hot summer days. Eating tomato salad can be a great way to stay refreshed and quench your thirst while enjoying a light and healthy meal.
3. Light and Healthy: Tomato salad is a light and low-calorie option, making it perfect for those looking for a healthy and nutritious meal during the summer. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a range of health benefits.
4. Versatility: Tomato salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add various ingredients like cucumbers, onions, herbs, or even fruits like watermelon or strawberries to create a unique and flavorful salad. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to experiment and create a salad that suits your personal preferences.
5. Easy and Quick: Tomato salad is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, requiring minimal cooking or preparation time. It is a great option for those who want a hassle-free meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Tomato salad is good in summer because it showcases the best qualities of fresh, ripe tomatoes while providing a refreshing, hydrating, and healthy option for a light summer meal.

What's in this salad?

Basil, Grilled Violife Mediterranean Cheese, Aminos, Vinegar, Flax oil, Marinated Mushrooms & Garlic.

Tomato salad and vegan grilled cheese is the perfect summer dish because it combines the refreshing flavors of ripe tomatoes with the comforting and satisfying taste of grilled cheese. 

The tomato salad is light and refreshing, making it a great choice for hot summer days. The juicy and flavorful tomatoes are the star of the dish, providing a burst of freshness with every bite. The addition of olive oil, salt, and pepper enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a simple yet delicious dressing.

How to make it

To make this delicious vegan tomato and cheese salad, follow these steps:

1. Start by slicing the tomatoes into quarters. Make sure to use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
2. Take a handful of fresh basil leaves and roll them tightly. Slice the rolled basil leaves into thin strips, creating a chiffonade.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes and chiffonade basil.
4. Prepare the dressing by mixing aminos (such as soy sauce or tamari), vinegar (such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar), and flax oil. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the tomatoes and basil in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
6. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place slices of Violife Mediterranean vegan cheese on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until they develop grill marks and soften slightly.
7. Once the cheese slices are grilled, remove them from the heat and set aside.
8. In a separate bowl, add lots of baby kale. Baby kale is tender and has a milder flavor compared to mature kale.
9. Top the baby kale with the marinated mushrooms and garlic. You can use store-bought marinated mushrooms or make your own by sautéing sliced mushrooms with garlic, olive oil, and your choice of herbs and spices.
10. Finally, assemble the salad by placing the dressed tomatoes and basil on top of the baby kale. Add the grilled Violife Mediterranean vegan cheese slices on the side or on top of the salad.
11. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, tangy dressing, and grilled vegan cheese.

Note: Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like sliced cucumbers, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Variations

1. Caprese Salad: This classic tomato salad combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a simple and delicious salad.
2. Greek Salad: Combine diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano for a refreshing and tangy tomato salad.
3. Tomato and Avocado Salad: Slice tomatoes and avocados and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro for a creamy and flavorful salad.
4. Tomato and Watermelon Salad: Combine diced tomatoes, watermelon cubes, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss with a dressing made from lime juice, honey, and mint leaves for a sweet and savory tomato salad.
5. Tomato and Corn Salad: Mix diced tomatoes, cooked corn kernels, red bell pepper, red onion, and black beans. Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty and colorful tomato salad.
6. Tomato and Cucumber Salad: Slice tomatoes and cucumbers and toss them with thinly sliced red onions. Dress with a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill for a refreshing and tangy tomato salad.
7. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Pesto: Arrange sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese on a plate. Drizzle with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a flavorful and vibrant tomato salad.
8. Tomato and Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Mix cooked quinoa with diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a nutritious and filling tomato salad.
9. Tomato and Feta Salad with Couscous: Cook couscous according to package instructions and let it cool. Mix cooked couscous with diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cucumber, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a Mediterranean-inspired tomato salad.
10. Tomato and Tuna Salad: Mix diced tomatoes, canned tuna, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Dress with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt for a protein-packed and flavorful tomato salad.