I gained my inspiration for this from the seasonal salad at the Chop House, Blacklock that has a few location in the UK – I’m not sure what the salad dressing has in it, but this is my take on it with a bit of a kick in the chilli pepper.
This Heritage Tomato Salad is a perfect side dish for steak nights, just like the beautiful ones at Blacklock, bringing a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of grilled meat beautifully. The combination of juicy heritage tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a tangy sherry vinaigrette creates a delightful contrast that’s sure to elevate plenty of other meals as well.
The addition of homemade parsley and Parmesan croutons adds a delightful crunch, while the slivers of green chili provide just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. This isn’t just any side salad; it’s a standout dish that could easily steal the show.
Ingredients
- A variety of heritage tomatoes, sliced
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 green chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Homemade croutons:
- Day-old bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Method
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, grated Parmesan, dried onion flakes, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt until well coated.
- Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Make the Salad:
- In a blender (e.g. a little ninja or nutribullet) put all of the ingredients except for the tomatoes and blitz until fine.
- In a large salad bowl add sliced and chopped tomatoes (I like to do a variety to make for slightly more interesting mouthfuls) and toss together with the dressing until the tomatoes are coated.
- Top with the freshly baked croutons.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad alongside a beautifully grilled steak, allowing the fresh flavors to complement the richness of the meat. You won’t even need fries.
This Heritage Tomato Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy the freshness of each bite, and watch as it becomes a new favorite at your table!