Bursting with Freshness! Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe
A Refreshing Delight: Cherry Tomato Salad (You’ll Be Amazed by How Delicious It Is!)
Hello everyone, this is Seulbi with a delicious recipe! Do you have cherry tomatoes lying around and are wondering what to make with them? Today, I’m sharing my Cherry Tomato Salad recipe, a truly special dish! I made this to go with the Tofu Egg Toast I shared previously, and it was such a unique and incredibly tasty side dish! It’s so surprising and wonderful! You must try making it! Highly recommended! Please consider saving this recipe and following me. ♥
Key Ingredients for Cherry Tomato Salad
- 250g fresh cherry tomatoes (about 1.5 cups)
- A small bunch of chives, chopped (adjust to your preference)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or clear fish sauce recommended)
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s talk about the seasoning proportions for this delicious salad! The measurements like ‘1 Tbsp’ and ‘1/2 Tbsp’ are based on standard measuring spoons. If you’re using a regular eating spoon for seasoning, you might want to use a slightly larger amount. If you plan to increase the amount of tomatoes and are using measuring spoons, adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Step 2
Wash the fresh cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Ensuring the tomatoes are dry will help the dressing adhere better and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 3
Once dried, remove the small stems from the cherry tomatoes. Then, cut each tomato in half. Please be careful when cutting, as cherry tomatoes can be small and slippery. Always prioritize safety when using a knife. If cooking with children, an adult should assist with this step.
Step 4
To add a wonderful aroma to the salad, wash the chives, pat them dry, and then chop them into approximately 2-3 cm lengths. The fresh fragrance of the chives will beautifully complement the tomatoes, making the salad even more appetizing.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce – this is the base for that savory umami flavor. Anchovy or clear fish sauce works best. If you don’t have either, finely minced salted shrimp (saeujeot) can be a good substitute.
Step 6
Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger. Ginger helps to cut through any potential ‘fishy’ smell from the fish sauce and adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan of ginger, you can use a very small amount or omit it entirely.
Step 7
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Garlic is essential in Korean cuisine and will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dressing with its pungent kick.
Step 8
For a touch of spice, add 1.5 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to your preference for heat.
Step 9
To balance the flavors, add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. The sweetness helps to round out the acidity of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the fish sauce. Adjust this based on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes and your taste.
Step 10
Combine all the prepared dressing ingredients in the bowl. Stir well with a spoon until everything is evenly mixed and the dressing is smooth. Ensure there are no clumps of seasoning.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle a good amount of toasted sesame seeds over the dressing. These add a lovely nutty flavor and a beautiful visual appeal. It’s best to add them before tossing the salad.
Step 12
Now, gently add the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped chives to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together lightly. It’s natural for some juice to be released from the tomatoes due to osmosis, but try to mix gently rather than vigorously to avoid mashing the tomatoes. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 13
And there you have it! A beautiful and delicious Cherry Tomato Salad is ready. The combination of the fresh, tangy tomatoes and the savory Korean-style dressing is absolutely delightful. Enjoy this wonderful salad that’s perfect for any meal! ♥
