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Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe with Antioxidants Easy and Healthy

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A quick and easy fresh heirloom tomato salad that celebrates summer flavors with antioxidant-rich tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry about 4 cups of heirloom tomatoes. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut them into bite-sized chunks, aiming to keep the pieces similar in size for even texture.
  2. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion. If raw onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  3. Gently tear 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves with your hands to avoid bruising.
  4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup sunflower seeds for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let them cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (if using). Whisk or shake well until emulsified.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chopped tomatoes, basil, and onion slices (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat evenly.
  7. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
  8. Sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds on top just before serving to keep them crisp.

Notes

Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, but do not wait too long to avoid excess tomato juice. Toast sunflower seeds carefully to avoid burning. If tomatoes are very tart, add honey or maple syrup to balance acidity. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and drain excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: heirloom tomato salad, fresh tomato salad, antioxidant salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

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