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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Add the minced garlic to the tomato mixture.
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).
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and basil. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating without bruising the tomatoes.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve immediately as a side dish or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for a slightly chilled option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
128 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.0 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 253 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.2 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.0 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 424 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
