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White bowl with fluted edges filled tomato basil salad.
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5 from 4 votes

Goat Cheese and Tomato Basil Salad Recipe

A Tomato Basil Salad with Goat Cheese is the most delicious way to celebrate a summer garden. In making this recipe you'll learn how easy it is to peel tomatoes, and how just a few simple ingredients can come together easily to create a very impressive dish.
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time36 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salad for party, summer picnic recipes
Servings: 4
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tomatoes
  • ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • cup thinly sliced red onion
  • teaspoons minced garlic
  • tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Peel the Tomatoes

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and prepare a large bowl of ice water.
  • Use a sharp paring knife to remove the tomato stem and top of the core. Then use the knife to mark an "X" on the bottom of each tomato, trying to only slit the skin and not really cut into the flesh of the tomato.
  • Place them in the boiling water and leave them only until you see the skin begin to peel away from the "X" on the bottom. This shouldn't take longer than a minute, and likely less. Use a slotted spoon to remove the them and place them directly into the ice water. (This "shocks" the tomatoes, stopping the cooking process, and helping them to maintain their bright color.)
  • Once the tomatoes are cool, starting from where it's lifting, the skin can easily be peeled off. Set aside.

Assembly

  • Slice the peeled tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and gently use your thumb to remove as many seeds as you easily can. Add the tomato wedges to a serving bowl and toss them with the basil leaves, onion slices and about half of the goat cheese crumbles.
  • Combine the garlic with the vinegar and oil and toss this mixture into the salad. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the rest of the goat cheese on top, and serve immediately!

Notes

Nutritional information only an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2243IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg