Tomato Salad: Everything You Need to Know About Its Preparation
Tomatoes are among the most popular summer vegetables—and it's no wonder. They are juicy, full of flavor, and a great refreshment during hot days. It's no surprise, then, that the tomato salad has become a classic in Czech kitchens. It can be simple, more complex, with various dressings, or complemented with other ingredients, but one thing is certain—a well-prepared tomato salad is excellent and highlights the taste of the season. Although at first glance it may seem like a trivial side dish, there is often more behind it than one might expect.
Tomatoes as the Foundation of a Tasty Salad
The success of a tomato salad depends on the quality of the ingredients. If you choose unripe or greenhouse tomatoes without flavor, the result will likely disappoint you, no matter how hard you try. On the other hand, ripe, juicy, and fragrant tomatoes—ideally from a home garden or a farmer's market—can work wonders even with the simplest preparation. The classic tomato salad with onions is the best proof of this.
Simply slice the tomatoes, add thin half-moons of red or white onion, a pinch of quality salt, and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. Some people also add a splash of wine vinegar or lemon juice, or fresh basil or oregano. This is a salad that tells the story of summer—simple yet unforgettable.
Interestingly, in Italy, where tomatoes are an inseparable part of the cuisine, a similar salad is prepared with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil, often with the addition of fresh bread that soaks up the vegetable juices. This principle also appears in the Czech Republic, for example, under the name bread salad or as a summer variation on panzanella.
Variations That Will Surprise You
However, there isn't just one tomato salad. It can become a full meal, a complement to meat, or a refreshing snack. A popular Czech version is the tomato salad with mayonnaise, which is most often made from chopped tomatoes, grated or chopped cheese (such as Edam or Balkan type), seasoned with mayonnaise, or sometimes sour cream. This combination is filling and favored mainly in warmer months when one doesn't crave heavy meals but still needs energy.
The mayonnaise variant is ideal, for example, for picnics, where it is served chilled as part of a cold buffet. By adding boiled eggs, corn, or radishes, it becomes a complex salad that satisfies and refreshes at the same time. It tastes great with fresh bread or as a side dish to grilled vegetables.
An interesting twist can also come from a dressing for tomato salad. Besides the usual combination of oil, vinegar, and salt, there are countless possibilities. Some add Dijon mustard, others garlic or honey. An Asian-inspired dressing with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bit of lime is also popular. Such a variant is suitable, for example, for tofu, rice, or as a complement to oriental dishes.
A Little Alchemy in a Glass
Although it may seem that a tomato salad is just about tomatoes, the reality is a bit more colorful. "Dressing is what makes a salad a salad," says chef Klára Nedvědová, who specializes in vegetarian cuisine. And she's right. A good salad is distinguished by the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter elements. In the case of tomatoes, which naturally contain acidity and sweetness, the dressing needs to be chosen carefully.
A simple lemon dressing with olive oil, a bit of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt can elevate a regular salad to a gourmet experience. Conversely, a heavy dressing with too much mayonnaise or vinegar can overpower the natural taste of the ingredients.
For example—a young family from Brno decided to spend the summer at their cottage and plant only seasonal vegetables. The tomatoes they harvested during July and August were so tasty that they began preparing various versions of tomato salads daily. They gradually discovered that even children who previously refused vegetables came to love the salad—especially the one with a dressing made of yogurt and mustard, with a pinch of sugar. When their friends asked them for the recipe, the answer was simple: "Use what you have, but the tomatoes must be fully ripe, and taste the dressing before you pour it on."
Why Choose Tomato Salad?
There are several reasons to opt for tomato salad. Besides being delicious, it is also healthy. Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene—a natural antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and, according to some studies, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. They are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The combination of tomatoes with olive oil also increases the absorption of lycopene—another point for this simple dish.
It's also practical that the salad can be prepared in minutes and doesn't require cooking. In times of high temperatures or when there's no desire to cook, it represents an ideal choice. Moreover, it can be easily adapted according to available ingredients—tomatoes pair well with cucumbers, peppers, mozzarella, avocado, but also legumes or baked tofu.
Equally important is that a great tomato salad can be elegant and a dignified appetizer even on festive occasions. Just choose unusual varieties of tomatoes—such as dark Kumato or yellow cherry tomatoes—and complement them with pickled shallots, capers, or fresh mint.
When It Comes to Tomatoes...
In conclusion, it's worth saying that a truly excellent tomato salad is not just about the recipe. It's more of a philosophy. Enjoying seasonal ingredients, knowing how to combine them, but also letting them stand out. Not overwhelming them with excessive seasoning, but enhancing their natural flavor. And that is perhaps the greatest art.
Whether you choose the version with onions, mayonnaise, or just a bit of oil and vinegar, remember that the best tomato salad is the one you prepare with love and the freshest ingredients you can find. Because often, the greatest flavor lies in simplicity.
