Stacked Tomato Salad is a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress. This salad layers vibrant red and yellow tomatoes with arugula, red onion, and blue cheese for a mix of tastes that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients, making this salad a perfect appetizer or light meal.
This recipe calls for Maytag blue cheese which is an American variety of blue cheese that has a slightly tangy and crumbly texture. It is available in most supermarkets, but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with other types of blue cheese. Also, the recipe uses small red and yellow tomatoes which may not be available in every supermarket. If that's the case, feel free to use the regular tomatoes.
Ingredients for Stacked Tomato Salad
Olive oil: The base for the dressing, it provides richness and helps in bringing out the flavors.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the salad.
Lemon juice: Gives the salad a tangy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the salad.
Arugula: Provides a peppery taste and a crunchy texture.
Red tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they are the main component of this salad.
Yellow tomatoes: Add a different color and a slightly different flavor than red tomatoes.
Red onion: Gives a slight crunch and a spicy edge.
Maytag blue cheese: Adds a tangy and salty note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet tomatoes.
One reader, Glory Koenig says:
This stacked tomato salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh tomatoes, arugula, and tangy blue cheese is simply divine. The dressing adds a zesty kick, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a burst of flavor in a healthy salad.
Mastering the Techniques for Stacked Tomato Salad
How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
How to toss the arugula: Toss the arugula with 3 tablespoons of the prepared olive oil mixture until the leaves are evenly coated.
How to stack the tomatoes: Create stacks of several red and yellow tomato slices, alternating colors to create an appealing visual presentation.
How to garnish with red onion: Thinly slice the red onion and use it to garnish the tomato stacks, adding a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
How to sprinkle with blue cheese: Sprinkle the Maytag blue cheese over the assembled salad, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
How To Make Stacked Tomato Salad
Tossed with arugula and parsley, this tomato salad brims with bright and refreshing flavors from the lemony dressing and a sprinkle of blue cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- 3tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- 2tbsplemon juice,fresh
- ½tspsalt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2buncharugula,stems removed
- 3small red tomatoes
- 3small yellow tomatoes
- 1red onion
- 3ozmaytag blue cheese
Instructions
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Whisk together the olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
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Toss the arugula with 3 tablespoons olive oil mixture.
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Divide the arugula evenly among 6 plates.
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Top with stack of several red and yellow tomato slices and garnish with red onion. Sprinkle with blue cheese.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 130.34kcal
- Fat: 8.25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.84g
- Carbohydrates: 10.13g
- Fiber: 2.93g
- Sugar: 3.86g
- Protein: 6.54g
- Cholesterol: 10.63mg
- Sodium: 399.32mg
- Calcium: 219.84mg
- Potassium: 684.65mg
- Iron: 1.91mg
- Vitamin A: 145.28µg
- Vitamin C: 30.81mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Stacked Tomato Salad
When slicing the tomatoes for this salad, try to keep the slices as uniform as possible. This not only makes the salad more visually appealing, but also ensures that each bite has a balanced flavor. Additionally, when whisking together the olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, make sure to emulsify the ingredients well. This will create a dressing that is smooth and well-blended, rather than one where the oil and lemon juice separate.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and tools before starting to cook to save time and avoid last-minute stress.
Multitask: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil or preheating the oven.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, mandolines, or immersion blenders to speed up prep work and cooking tasks.
Prep in bulk: Consider preparing ingredients in large batches and storing them for future use to save time on busy days.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvising or correcting errors.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes, utensils, and ingredients as you cook to maintain an organized workspace and save time on cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Stacked Tomato Salad Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar light and neutral flavor to extra virgin olive oil, making it a suitable substitute for dressing in the salad.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro can provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients well.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to fresh lemon juice, enhancing the flavors of the salad.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and spice to the salad, replacing the black pepper's flavor profile.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula, offering a mild and slightly peppery flavor to the salad.
red tomatoes - Substitute with heirloom tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes can provide a variety of colors and flavors, adding visual appeal and a unique taste to the stacked tomato salad.
yellow tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be a suitable substitute for yellow tomatoes, offering a sweet and juicy flavor to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions, adding a subtle oniony taste to the salad.
maytag blue cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola cheese: Gorgonzola cheese can be used as a substitute for Maytag blue cheese, offering a creamy texture and a tangy, robust flavor to the salad.
Presenting Your Stacked Tomato Salad
Elevate the tomato stack: Carefully layer the red and yellow tomato slices to create a visually stunning and vibrant stack that showcases the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Artfully arrange the arugula: Place the tossed arugula in a delicate and intentional manner around the tomato stack, ensuring that each plate looks like a work of art.
Drizzle with the olive oil mixture: Use a steady hand to drizzle the flavorful olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice mixture over the tomato stack and arugula, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the overall taste.
Garnish with red onion: Finely slice the red onion and artfully scatter it around the plate, adding a pop of color and a hint of sharpness to complement the other flavors.
Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of the rich and creamy Maytag blue cheese over the tomato stack, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and adding a luxurious touch to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making a Stacked Tomato Salad
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically consisting of a handle with loops or wires.
Small bowl: A container used for mixing and holding small amounts of ingredients during food preparation.
Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving food.
Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Salad spinner: A kitchen tool used to wash and dry salad greens, ensuring they are clean and crisp.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients during food preparation.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
Interesting Trivia About Stacked Tomato Salad
Maytag blue cheese is named after the town of Maytag, Iowa, where it was first produced in 1941.
Budget-Friendly: Is Stacked Tomato Salad Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this stacked tomato salad recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients. Tomatoes and arugula are generally affordable, while maytag blue cheese can be pricier. However, the dish's nutritional value and flavor complexity make it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its health benefits and the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Not?
The stacked tomato salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritious ingredients:
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health
- Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
- Parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The blue cheese, while adding flavor, is high in saturated fat and sodium. Consider reducing the amount or opting for a lower-fat cheese like feta or goat cheese
- To increase the nutrient density of the salad, add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers
- Incorporate a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
Here are some additional suggestions to enhance the nutritional value of the salad:
- Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a wider range of antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, for healthy fats and extra crunch
- Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or mint, to boost flavor and antioxidant content
- Serve the salad with a whole grain like quinoa or farro to add fiber and complex carbohydrates
Our Editor's Opinion on Stacked Tomato Salad
This stacked tomato salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The use of both red and yellow tomatoes adds a beautiful visual appeal, while the peppery arugula and pungent blue cheese provide a perfect balance of flavors. The dressing, with its zesty lemon and herbaceous parsley, ties everything together beautifully. It's a refreshing and elegant dish that would make a stunning addition to any summer menu.
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Why trust this Stacked Tomato Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients. The use of arugula adds a peppery bite, while the tomatoes bring a burst of color and flavor. The addition of maytag blue cheese provides a creamy and tangy element, elevating the overall taste. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, promises a zesty and refreshing finish. With the careful selection of quality ingredients and a balanced blend of flavors, this recipe is sure to impress and earn the trust of users seeking a delicious and visually appealing dish.
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