SIMPLE SALAD SERIES: Heirloom Tomato, Basil & Pine Nut Salad

Simple Salad Series

Salad #1

#SIMPLESALADSERIES

  • Vegan
  • Gluten free
  • 8 ingredients or less
  • Homemade salad dressing


Have you ever noticed the best salads are always so simple?  Like that family owned Italian restaurant with the side salad that mirrors perfection, but isn't even an entree . . . Or when Mom whips together "whatever's left in the fridge" for the best salad you've tasted in weeks!?  It can't just be the love that goes into it, because they taste sooooo dang good!



This was my inspiration for a "Simple Salad Series."  I wanted to put together a group of simple salads that taste so good, they should be in a recipe book, and yet so simple, anyone could put them together!  Here's what to expect from the simple salad series.


Simple Salad Series

#SimpleSaladSeries

  • Vegan
  • Gluten free
  • 8 ingredients or less
  • Homemade salad dressing

Here we go with our first recipe in the Simple Salad Series . . . Heirloom Tomato, Basil, & Pine Nut Salad.  Stay tuned as I'll post a new one every week!


WHAT YOU NEED:

INGREDIENTS

PRINTABLE RECIPE

  1. Mixed Greens
  2. Heirloom Tomatoes
  3. Pine Nuts
  4. Basil
  5. Olive Oil 
  6. Balsamic Vinegar
  7. Salt & Pepper



By simplifying recipes, we learn two things:

  1. What your ingredients actually taste like and thus, the difference between good vs. great ingredients and produce 
  2. Which ingredients and spices compliment each other well

When we get back to basics and use quality ingredients, we are surprised by the difference in taste.  I always buy organic when it's available, but the first time I tasted produce from my local CSA in San Diego, I was shocked at how much better it tasted!  It's "farm to table," my friends . . . and if you're not doing it for your health, do it for the taste!  

If you don't have a CSA delivery system, look for a local CSA (community supported agriculture) to deliver fresh, organic produce weekly.  If you're in San Diego, I use Garden of Eden Organics.  My favorite part about this company is the farm owners deliver their produce to a drop location and I get to talk with them about everything that's in the basket and trade out ingredients I won't be using.  They are amazing and I highly suggest using them!


Heirloom Tomato, Basil & Pine Nut Salad

SIMPLE SALAD SERIES

VEGAN + GLUTEN FREE

serves: 2-3

total time:  5 min

PRINT OR DOWNLOAD RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup fresh basil, shredded
  • 2 cups chopped heirloom tomatoes (I used mini ones, so I halved or quartered them)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • Salt + Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Whisk dressing: olive oil + balsamic vinegar
  2. Toss together: mixed greens, basil, and heirloom tomatoes.  Add dressing, salt, and pepper (to taste).  Toss again.
  3. Garnish with pine nuts.

MAKE-AHEAD PREP:

  • Mix dressing and cover.

  • Chop greens, basil, and heirloom tomatoes.  Refrigerate in airtight container.  

  • Complete steps 2 & 3 when you're ready to eat!


More make-ahead recipes from TFC!


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PHOTOGRAPHY: Coreen Murphy

RECIPE INSPIRATION: The Food Click