Craving the fresh, juicy taste of summer tomatoes in the middle of winter? I’ve got you. This Cherry Tomato Salad with a savory soy sauce dressing is a game-changer. The unlikely pairing of rich, salty soy sauce and sweet, bursting tomatoes creates an incredible umami flavor that’s simply addictive. It’s a fantastic way to elevate those reliable year-round cherry tomatoes into something truly special, bringing a burst of sunshine to your plate no matter the season.
Ingredients
• 4 cups / 600g cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons / 30 ml soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
• 2 teaspoons / 10 ml dark sesame oil
• 1/2 cup / 20g fresh basil leaves, preferably Thai basil
• 1 pinch sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large serving bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, and dark sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the halved tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper.
3. Gently stir everything together to coat the tomatoes in the mahogany-hued dressing. For the best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to marinate.
4. Give the salad one final stir. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce or pepper if needed, then serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 75 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Sugar: 6g
Pro Tips
• Let the salad marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the tomatoes to release their juices and meld with the dressing.
• While Thai basil adds a lovely, slightly spicy anise note, sweet Italian basil is a fantastic substitute if you can’t find it.
• For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the salad just before serving.
• Add a finely minced clove of garlic or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the dressing for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
FAQ
Q: Is this cherry tomato salad recipe vegan
A: Yes, this salad is naturally vegan. All ingredients are plant-based. To be certain, you can use a vegan-certified sugar, as some refined sugars are processed using bone char.
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian salad
A: To make this a more filling vegetarian meal, consider adding a cup of cooked and chilled edamame, crispy pan-fried tofu cubes, or a handful of toasted cashews. These will complement the savory dressing while boosting the protein.
Q: How do I make this tomato salad gluten-free
A: This recipe is easily made gluten-free. Simply replace the standard soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The flavor profile will remain just as delicious.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian tomato salad ahead of time
A: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the tomatoes will release their juices and soften over time. For prep, you can halve the tomatoes and mix the dressing separately. Store them in the fridge and combine with the fresh basil just before you plan to serve.
