When we were in Mallorca, we saw some of the largest heirloom tomatoes we had ever seen at a local farmers’ market. Each one was about 2 lbs. They were beautiful and HUGE!

I love heirloom tomatoes. They are my favorite tomatoes, and seeing these HUGE tomatoes in Mallorca inspired me, and they were a must for our fiesta. So when I saw a recipe in my Spanish cookbooks that highlighted these delicious beauties, I was all over it. π

Heirloom Tomato Salad
Don’t be fooled by this simple salad, because it is composed of just a few basic items. It’s deliciously beautiful. Simple is often the best. The more colors you can use for this simple salad, the prettier it will be. And I learned something new too. In all my years of restaurant experience I never knew that you were not supposed to refrigerate tomatoes. The cold kills the flavor of tomatoes. In every professional kitchen I have ever worked in, and in my own kitchen, we have always refrigerated our tomatoes. But now I that’s not the case. So you see, old dogs can learn new tricks. π

5-6 large, varied heirloom tomatoes, sliced in wedges
5-6 large basil leaves, chiffonade
1 TBSP garlic
3 TBSP fresh chives, chopped small
6 TBSP olive oil 2-3 TBSP lemon balsamic or balsamic vinegar
salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste
Gently toss everything together. I like my salads nice and peppery, so I added about 1 TBSP of ground pepper. I also like my tomatoes lemony, so the lemon balsamic vinegar and/or lemon olive oil is perfect for this salad. The lemon and pepper really bring the flavors of these scrumptious tomatoes to life.

This colorful, simple will be a delight no matter how you eat it, on its own, or as a side dish with other food, especially Spanish style foods. π
When in a rush or stressed out about food, just remember the K.I.S.S. rule, and keep it simple (stupid). Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.
Iβve read that in the restaurant business, the government requires tomatoes to be refrigerated. Home cooks donβt have to follow that rule!
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That’s probably true, at least here in the US,. Same with eggs. But Europe, Australia and New Zealand apparently do not refrigerate either, and they are all fine. I think they just may be onto something.
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The government requires American farmers to clean their eggs, which removes the eggβs protective coating. In other places, they donβt have to remove the protective coating. If you find someone who raises chickens and you can get fresh eggs from them, you can safely leave those eggs out on the counter.
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It is very similar to the Bucharian salad called Achichuk, with dill instead of basil and thinly sliced red onion. Yours is delicious, I am sure!
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Thank you. It sounds like I would like the Bucharian too. π
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You are very welcome, darling. π»
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π π π
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Great produce, sensitively treated = great result
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Merci. C’est ce bon! π
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I. Love. Tomatoes. π πΏπ π π
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Me too. All kinds. π
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Looks delicious π
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Thank you. it was too. So fresh. π
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this salad sounds perfect for a summer meal! π
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Thank you. It is a perfect summer salad too. π
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