As I stood in the kitchen, the sun pouring through the windows, the scent of ripe heirloom tomatoes made me smile. There’s something magical about summer produce, and today, I’m excited to share my Summer Tomato Salad with Serrano Chili Oil, enriched with sweet currants, tangy cherries, and fresh herbs. Not only is this vibrant dish a celebration of seasonal flavors, but it’s also plant-based and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence for those of us looking to escape the routine of fast food. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend barbecue or a cozy evening at home, this salad serves as a refreshing side or a light lunch option that’s sure to impress. Are you ready to elevate your summer dining experience with this delightful combination? Why is this salad a must-try? Freshness Redefined: This Summer Tomato Salad with Serrano Chili Oil bursts with ripe flavors, making it a true representation of seasonal eating. Sweet and Spicy: The contrast of sweet currants and cherries with the heat of serrano chili oil creates a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. Easy Preparation: Whipping up this vibrant dish is a breeze, requiring minimal cooking—all the more reason to leave fast food behind! Versatile Pairing: Pair it with grilled fish or chicken for a delightful meal, or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish for lunch. It’s a true crowd-pleaser! Nutrient-Packed: This salad is not only delicious but also high in vitamins and antioxidants, proving that eating healthy can be enjoyable. Don’t forget to check out my recipes for Avocado Chicken Salad or Savory Baked Herbs for more ideas to complement your meals! Summer Tomato Salad Ingredients • Get ready to create a burst of flavor! For the Salad Heirloom Tomatoes – A variety of heirloom tomatoes provides natural sweetness and juiciness for the salad’s base. Fresh Currants – These little gems add a delightful pop of sweetness; if you’re out, raisins work too! Cherries (pitted and halved) – Their sweet-tart flavor enhances the dish, but feel free to swap in seasonal peaches or plums. Lemon Juice and Zest – A splash of fresh lemon brightens everything up; always choose fresh for optimal taste! Basil Leaves – Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor that elevates the salad—dried basil just won’t do. Dill (chopped) – The herbal notes of dill offer freshness; if you’re not a fan, parsley makes a great substitute. Cilantro (chopped) – Adds complexity to the flavor; if you prefer not to use it, parsley is a solid choice. For the Serrano Chili Oil Serrano Chili – This chili brings the heat; if you want it milder, jalapeño works just as well. Flaky Sea Salt – Perfect for enhancing all the flavors in the salad; regular salt can be replaced—just adjust to taste. Fresh Ground Pepper – Adds a lovely depth of flavor that’s mildly spicy and complements the sweetness. With these vibrant ingredients for your Summer Tomato Salad with Serrano Chili Oil, you’re on your way to a sensational dish that celebrates all the flavors of summer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Summer Tomato Salad with Spicy Serrano Chili Oil Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh currants, and halved cherries. Then, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and add the zest, along with half of the chopped basil, dill, and cilantro. Toss everything together lightly, ensuring all ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed for the best flavor in your Summer Tomato Salad. Step 2: Let the Flavors Meld Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the salad mixture to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting period not only helps the flavors blend beautifully but also encourages the tomatoes to release their natural juices, creating a delicious sauce that adds moisture and taste to the salad. Step 3: Prepare the Serrano Chili Oil While the salad is resting, heat ½ cup of olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Carefully add the sliced serrano chili and 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, letting them infuse slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the oil to ensure it doesn’t get too hot—you’re aiming for a gentle simmer that allows the flavors to meld without burning. Step 4: Blend the Chili Oil Once the oil has infused, carefully remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer the warm chili oil mixture to a blender and puree until smooth and vibrant. This process will give you a beautifully green serrano chili oil that’s packed with flavor, perfect for drizzling over your Summer Tomato Salad. Step 5: Assemble and Serve the Salad After the salad has rested, transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs, additional sliced serrano chili for extra heat, and drizzle generously with the homemade serrano chili oil. Finish by seasoning with flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, enhancing the delicious layers of flavor in your summer delight. Expert Tips for Summer Tomato Salad Choose Fresh Tomatoes: Always opt for ripe heirloom tomatoes; they’re sweeter and juicier, ensuring your Summer Tomato Salad shines with flavor. Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits—swap cherries for peaches or plums, adding your personal touch to the salad. Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes to truly meld the flavors and enhance the taste experience in your Summer Tomato Salad. Control the Heat: Adjust the heat level of your serrano chili oil by deciding how many seeds to remove; this small step can significantly change the spice level. Safety First: When blending hot chili oil, use a dish towel over the blender lid to prevent splatters and keep your kitchen tidy. Garnish Wisely: Don’t skimp on fresh herbs when serving; they add pops of color and elevate the aroma, making your salad irresistible! What to Serve with Summer Tomato Salad with Spicy Serrano Chili Oil As you bask in the delightful tastes of summer, think about how to enhance your meal with complementary dishes that perfectly harmonize with this vibrant salad. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky char from the grill adds depth, while the shrimp’s sweetness balances the salad’s acidity and spices. Chilled Gazpacho: This refreshing tomato-based soup echoes the salad’s flavors while providing a cool and satisfying contrast. Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado on crusty bread offers a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the salad’s crisp components. Quinoa Salad: A cool, protein-packed salad featuring veggies and herbs creates a lively side dish that complements the freshness of the tomatoes. Crispy Flatbread: Crunchy, toasted flatbread is perfect for scooping up the salad, adding a delightful crunch amidst the juicy, sweet layers. White Wine Spritzer: This refreshing drink brings a hint of sweetness and bubbles, enhancing flavor without overpowering the lighter fare. Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of refreshing sorbet with vibrant fruit flavors serves as a perfect light dessert—rounding off your meal with some sweetness without heaviness. Make Ahead Options These refreshing Summer Tomato Salad with Serrano Chili Oil can be prepped in advance, making them perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can combine the salad ingredients (heirloom tomatoes, currants, cherries, lemon juice, and herbs) up to 24 hours ahead; simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For the serrano chili oil, prepare it and store it in a separate container, allowing it to steep for added flavor. When it’s time to serve, simply toss the salad again for even distribution, drizzle with chili oil, and enjoy a dish that tastes just as vibrant and delicious as if it were made fresh! Summer Tomato Salad with Spicy Variations Feel free to make this delightful dish your own by experimenting with these creative twists! Seasonal Tomatoes: Swap heirloom tomatoes for any vibrant, seasonal variety available, such as juicy beefsteak or tangy cherry tomatoes. Add Avocado: Creamy Avocado: Stir in diced avocado for a luscious texture that balances out the spices. Its rich creaminess will elevate the salad to a whole new level! Protein Boost: Chickpeas or Grilled Chicken: Add in grilled chicken slices or chickpeas for a protein punch. This transforms your salad into a hearty meal, making it even more satisfying. Fruity Twist: Peaches or Plums: Use diced peaches or plums instead of cherries. The sweet-tart notes will sing in harmony with the spicy serrano oil, giving your dish a fun summer flavor. Herbal Substitutions: Fresh Herbs: Feel free to mix and match the herbs! Substitute dill with mint for a refreshing touch. A new flavor profile will shine through! Heat Levels: Milder Spices: Replace serrano chili with jalapeño for a gentler kick. Remove all the seeds to tone down the heat, making it accessible for everyone. Sweetness Factor: Honey Drizzle: Add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness. Not too much—a little goes a long way! Nutty Crunch: Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutty flavor. This will bring a satisfying crunch that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. For even more seasonal delights, don’t miss trying my refreshing Watermelon Salad Refreshing or the colorful Summer Corn Salad. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Summer Tomato Salad Fridge: Store any leftover Summer Tomato Salad covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious! Freezer: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the tomatoes may lose texture and flavor. It’s advisable to prepare only what you’ll eat. Reheating: If you’ve made the serrano chili oil in advance, simply reheat it gently on low heat before drizzling over the fresh salad. Enjoy the explosive flavors! Summer Tomato Salad with Spicy Serrano Chili Oil Recipe FAQs What type of tomatoes should I use for the salad? Absolutely, using ripe heirloom tomatoes is essential for this dish! They provide the best natural sweetness and juiciness. Feel free to mix varieties to enhance flavor or substitute with any seasonal tomatoes available to you. How should I store leftover Summer Tomato Salad? Store any leftover salad covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld during this time, making it even tastier! However, consume it within this timeframe for the best experience. Can I freeze the Summer Tomato Salad? Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the tomatoes will lose their texture and flavor once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh! If you want to make ahead, consider prepping ingredients individually and combining them just before serving. How can I adjust the spiciness of the serrano chili oil? To control the heat, you can modify the amount of serrano chili used—removing more seeds will reduce the spice level. If you prefer something milder, substitute serrano with jalapeño or even omit the chili entirely for a more subtle flavor. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Yes, this recipe is plant-based and gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many dietary preferences! However, always check for allergies, especially with herbs like cilantro, and consider personal preferences when selecting ingredients. For those with pet concerns, make sure to keep any remnants away from furry friends—some fresh herbs can be harmful to pets! How long should I let the salad sit before serving? To really enhance the flavors, let the salad rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This critical step allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a more vibrant salad experience. Summer Tomato Salad with Spicy Serrano Chili Oil Delight Delight in a vibrant Summer Tomato Salad with Serrano Chili Oil, enriched with currants, cherries, and fresh herbs for a refreshing side or light lunch. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad4 cups Heirloom Tomatoes diced1 cup Fresh Currants1 cup Cherries pitted and halved2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed1 tablespoon Lemon Zest1/2 cup Basil Leaves fresh1 tablespoon Dill chopped1/4 cup Cilantro choppedFor the Serrano Chili Oil2 tablespoons Serrano Chili sliced1/2 cup Olive Oil1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt to taste1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper to taste Equipment mixing bowlsmall saucepanblender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCombine the heirloom tomatoes, fresh currants, and halved cherries in a large mixing bowl. Add fresh lemon juice, zest, and half the chopped basil, dill, and cilantro. Toss together lightly.Cover the bowl and let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add sliced serrano chili and coriander seeds, infusing for about 10 minutes.Remove from heat, cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.Transfer the salad to a serving platter, garnish with remaining herbs, extra sliced serrano chili, and drizzle with serrano chili oil. Season with flaky sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesLet the salad rest for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
