Magic Tomato Salad – The Most Delicious Appetizer!
Description
This Magic Tomato Salad is bright, juicy, sweet-tangy, and garlicky with just enough heat to wake everything up. Fresh tomatoes soak up a perfectly balanced marinade made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, chili, and a touch of sugar. It’s refreshing, bold, and dangerously easy to eat straight from the bowl.
Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or spooned over toast.
Ingredients
- 800–900 g tomatoes, sliced or cut into wedges
- 50 ml olive oil
- 25 ml vinegar (9%)
- 30 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 pepper, finely chopped (sweet or mild pepper)
- ½ chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes
Wash and slice tomatoes into wedges or thick slices. Place them in a large bowl. - Make the magic marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until fully dissolved. - Add flavor boosters
Stir in chopped pepper, chili pepper, and minced garlic. - Combine
Pour the marinade over the tomatoes. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. - Rest & absorb
Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes at room temperature so the tomatoes absorb all the flavor. - Serve
Serve fresh as an appetizer or chilled for an extra refreshing bite.
Servings
Serves 4–6 (as an appetizer or side)
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 120–150 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
(Values vary based on tomato type and oil amount)
Benefits
- 🍅 Rich in antioxidants – tomatoes are high in lycopene
- ❤️ Heart-healthy fats from olive oil
- 🌶️ Boosts digestion & metabolism with garlic and chili
- 🥗 Light yet satisfying – big flavor without heaviness
Notes
- Juicier tomatoes = more flavorful salad
- The marinade doubles as a dipping sauce for bread
- Flavor improves as it sits, but best eaten the same day
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to match tomato acidity
- Remove chili seeds for less heat
- Add fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill) if you like
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—up to 6–8 hours ahead, stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Q: What vinegar works best?
A: White vinegar keeps it sharp; apple cider vinegar adds mild sweetness.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Skip the chili or reduce the amount.
Q: What should I serve this with?
A: Crusty bread, grilled chicken, fish, eggs, or as part of a mezze-style spread.