summer salad with jersey tomatoes

The Jersey tomato.  It’s the stuff of folklore and legend, and one of the few things this Jersey Girl actually appreciates about summer in New Jersey.  Growing up here, I didn’t realize how good I had it until I tried tomatoes elsewhere – bland at best, mealy at worst.  I now understand why my mom used to make us stop at the roadside stand near Grandma’sin Manahawkin to pick up a bunch; at home, she would stand at the sink and eat one like an apple, sprinkling just a touch of salt on each bite to bring out its natural tomato goodness.

They are a godsend for summer entertaining or quick meals — healthy and so simple to prepare no matter what your accompaniments preferences. This recipe from Foodie Crush for an Avocado, Onion and Tomato Salad delivered its promise — simple, elegantly flavorful, and beautifully presented.  I roughly doubled it, and as always, focused on the highest quality ingredients — see my selections below. I can’t wait to show it off at a summer barbecue!

 

2 large tomatoes, sliced thick [I used one yellow and one red, both heirloom varieties]

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 red onion, sliced in half moons as thin as possible

10-12 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half or quarters as needed [I like Sunset brand Wild Wonders as they are multi-sized and -colored for visual interest]

2 sprigs of fresh tarragon, leaves removed from stems but left whole

2 tablespoons good olive oil [I used my favorite Lucini]

1 teaspoon champagne vinegar [I like O Olive Oil brand]

fleur de sel [or other coarse salt] to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon

fresh ground black pepper, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon

Arrange the tomatoes on a beautiful platter.  Top with the avocado and onion slices.  Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and tarragon leaves throughout.  Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

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Can’t get enough of those tomatoes?  Check out this recipe from Better Homes & Gardens for Tiny Tomato Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette.  I love heirloom cherry varieties, and this one shows them off beautifully with the addition of fennel, fresh herbs, and spicy arugula.

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Dining in and loving it?  Follow my Dining In board on Pinterest for recipes I love or am dying to try.   Share your favorite Jersey tomato salad in the comments below!