Tomato Basil Side Dish
Brighten up your table with this quick and flavorful Tomato Basil Side Dish, a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that’s as simple as it is delicious. Juicy ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil are the stars of this no-cook recipe, complemented by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette with just the right touch of garlic and optional red chili flakes for a hint of heat. Ready in just 10 minutes, this effortlessly elegant dish is perfect as a summer side for grilled meats or a refreshing appetizer with crusty bread. With its beautiful presentation and burst of Mediterranean flavors, this healthy, gluten-free, and vegan dish is sure to become a go-to crowd pleaser.
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Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut them into bite-sized wedges or chunks, depending on your preference. Place the tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces by hand (this helps release more flavor than cutting with a knife) and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Step 3
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Add the minced garlic to the tomato mixture.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and basil. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating without bruising the tomatoes.
Step 6
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Serve immediately as a side dish or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for a slightly chilled option.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 830.6 grams (830.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 536 |
| Total Fat 43.60g | 56% |
| Saturated Fat 6.00g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1226mg | 53% |
| Total Carbohydrate 36.60g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.70g | 35% |
| Total Sugars 23.80g | |
| Protein 7.90g | 16% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 126mg | 10% |
| Iron 4mg | 19% |
| Potassium 1894mg | 40% |
Source of Calories