It’s a distinct pleasure to enjoy an unadorned, peak-season tomato. Even a slice topped with nothing but a sprinkle of salt is remarkably vibrant, at once sweet and bright, deeply savory, and refreshingly juicy.
Behind the Recipes
Take Summer Tomato Salads Beyond Caprese
This summer, upgrade your tomato salads to the next level with crunchy toppings, fresh herbs, punchy alliums, and bright citrus.
By and
Published June 4, 2024.
Sign up for the Cook's Insider newsletter
The latest recipes, tips, and tricks, plus behind-the-scenes stories from the Cook's Illustrated team.
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
But it’s also great fun to play off that all-natural complexity, pairing the fruit with ingredients that complement or contrast with—but never obscure—its multifaceted flavor.
Think of how milky mozzarella tempers the acidity of the thick tomato slices in classic caprese while basil amplifies its from-the-garden freshness. With the help of just a couple supporting ingredients, those already-complex tomatoes become even more dynamic.
For a few new spins on tomato salad, I was determined to choose ingredients that would enhance, rather than hide, summer’s finest fruit. So, for inspiration, I turned to a few existing tomato dishes that exemplify this delicate culinary balancing act.
The aforementioned caprese inspired a riff starring warm, seared halloumi, which I punctuate with a dressing of savory sesame oil and sherry vinegar.
I emulated the crisp acidity and creamy richness of a tomato‑and-mayonnaise sandwich in a salad of spiced vine-ripened tomato wedges, thin-sliced shallot, and cilantro nestled atop a creamy garlic-lime dressing.
And I took notes from the spicy, citrusy punch of a tomato-based sangrita, the Mexican beverage that typically accompanies a shot of tequila, when developing a cherry tomato salad dressed in orange and lime juice and topped with sliced jalapeños.
Inspired by Caprese
In caprese salad, basil and mozzarella enhance tomato slices with freshness and dairy richness. I wanted to borrow that formula but dial up the complexity.
- THE TOMATO: Diverse, colorful heirloom tomatoes look stunning sliced, and their ample juices are rich in umami.
- THE DRESSING: A simple mixture of two nutty, savory pantry staples, sherry vinegar and sesame oil, complements the tomatoes’ depth.
- THE TOPPINGS: Salty pan-seared slices of halloumi, warm from the pan, add dimension. Toasted sesame seeds echo the sesame oil in the dressing, and scallion greens contribute fresh, subtle bite.
Inspired by Tomato and Mayo Sandwiches
The tomato and mayo sandwich is iconic for a reason: The rich, creamy condiment is the perfect foil for the fruit’s sweet-tartness. Here’s my take on that unbeatable combination, in salad form.
- THE TOMATO: Moderately sweet and tangy vine-ripened tomatoes are balanced by and play well with bold ingredients—I punched them up with a simple spice blend of salt, sugar, and earthy cumin and paprika. Cutting the tomatoes into wedges ensures juiciness in every bite.
- THE DRESSING: A creamy dressing of sour cream and mayonnaise, enlivened with minced garlic, lime zest, and salt, adds richness.
- THE TOPPINGS: Cilantro and thinly sliced shallot tossed in a splash of lime juice and oil are a glistening, flavorful finishing touch.
Inspired by Sangrita
I love the way that tomato-based versions of the Mexican drink sangrita balance sweet, sour, and spice. I borrowed that profile here, adding a range of textures.
- THE TOMATO: Petite cherry tomatoes provide enticing pops of sweet juice. I halved them to expose more of that flavorful liquid, allowing it to mix with the dressing.
- THE DRESSING: Fresh orange and lime juice and zest formed a bright, fruity, slightly sweet base. A jolt of Tabasco infused the citrus mixture with spice, and olive oil contributed just enough body and richness.
- THE TOPPINGS: Crunchy, bite-size pita crisps provide delightful textural contrast. Jalapeño slices bolster the Tabasco in the dressing, and a shower of fresh dill adds subtle grassy freshness.
