Vibrant Cherry Tomato and Cheese Salad
How to Make a Refreshing Cherry Tomato and Cheese Salad with Oriental Dressing – Perfect for Summer Diets
Hello everyone! As an editor who loves sharing delicious recipes, I want to talk about a common topic: dieting. Many people feel like dieting is a lifelong challenge, and while I understand that, it’s crucial to remember that starving yourself is extremely unhealthy. Instead of restrictive eating, incorporating light and nutritious meals like salads can be a fantastic approach. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a delightful ‘Cherry Tomato and Cheese Salad’ that’s perfect for a healthy lifestyle. I’ve used the freshest cherry tomatoes, some even harvested from my own backyard garden, making this dish incredibly flavorful. To add a little more substance and a satisfying texture, I’ve included cubes of cheese, which pair wonderfully with the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes. The combination is simply divine! We’ll also be making a zesty and tangy Oriental dressing from scratch to tie it all together. This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your well-being, especially during the warm summer months when you might crave something light yet flavorful. Let’s get started on this easy and delicious recipe!
Salad Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes (use a mix of colors for visual appeal)
- 15 cubes of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite type)
- 5 black olives (pitted for convenience)
- 5 green olives (optional, adjust to your preference)
Oriental Dressing
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (apple cider or rice vinegar recommended)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (apple cider or rice vinegar recommended)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Remove any stems and pat them completely dry. Slice each cherry tomato in half. If you have very small ones, you can leave them whole, but halving them allows them to better absorb the dressing and enhances the flavor.
Step 2
Next, give the black and green olives a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry. Slice them in half, just like the cherry tomatoes. Olives will add a lovely savory and briny note to the salad.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious Oriental dressing. In a clean bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide. Whisk these liquid ingredients together. Then, add 2 tablespoons of finely minced onion, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and 1/3 tablespoon of parsley flakes. Whisk everything vigorously until well combined. Mincing the onion very finely is key to achieving a smooth dressing texture without any harshness.
Step 4
In a larger bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black and green olives, and the cubed cheese. It’s best to use the cheese directly from the refrigerator so it stays firm and adds a refreshing coolness to the salad.
Step 5
Finally, drizzle the prepared Oriental dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or salad tongs. Be careful not to overmix, as this can mash the cheese or tomatoes. You want to coat everything evenly. For an extra touch, consider adding some nuts or baby greens. Transfer the beautifully combined salad to your serving dish. Your vibrant and healthy Cherry Tomato and Cheese Salad is ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit.
