Introduction to a Delicious Tomato Salad Recipe
This robustly seasoned, almost meaty tomato salad was inspired by Mexican salsa macha, a savory-spicy condiment made with dried chilies, garlic, nuts and seeds that are fried in oil, then pureed.
By CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL, Associated Press
In this recipe from our cookbook “ Milk Street 365: The All-Purpose Cookbook for Every Day of the Year,” we skip the blender and deconstruct the salsa, adding the ingredients directly to the salad — the fried peanuts and sesame seeds add texture that contrasts beautifully against meaty tomatoes.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes for the Salad
For an especially colorful salad, use heirloom tomatoes of different hues. You also can combine tomato varieties and sizes for more varied texture and appearance. Salting the tomatoes and letting them stand deepens their flavor and softens them slightly for extra succulence and juiciness. Halve any smaller tomatoes, like grape or cherry, so the salt can season the flesh.
Important Cooking Tips
When toasting the peanuts and sesame seeds, be sure to use a neutral oil such as grapeseed. Extra-virgin olive oil will lose its flavor when heated to the temperature needed to fry the peanuts. And when salting the tomatoes, kosher salt is best. The large granules distribute more evenly and won’t clump the way table salt can when tossed with moist ingredients.
Tomato Salad with Peanuts, Cilantro and Chipotle-Sesame Dressing
This image released by Milk Street shows a recipe for tomato salad with peanuts, cilantro and chipotle-sesame dressing. (Milk Street via AP)
Start to finish: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons neutral oil
ÂĽ cup roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons sesame seeds OR 1 medium garlic clove, thinly sliced OR both
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into ½-inch wedges (see headnote)
1½ cups lightly packed fresh cilantro OR basil OR flat-leaf parsley OR a combination, torn if large
Directions:
- In a small saucepan over medium, combine the oil and peanuts. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peanuts to a paper towel-lined plate.
- To the same saucepan over medium, add the sesame seeds. Cook, stirring, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, then stir in the chipotle and adobo sauce, vinegar and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, in a serving bowl, toss the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon salt; let stand for about 10 minutes. Chop the peanuts.
- Spoon the chipotle-sesame mixture over the tomatoes. Add the cilantro and peanuts, then stir gently. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Optional garnish: Flaky salt or crumbled cotija cheese or both.
Conclusion
The combination of peanuts, cilantro, and chipotle-sesame dressing creates a delicious and unique flavor profile for this tomato salad. With its robust seasoning and meaty texture, this salad is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meal routine.
FAQs
Q: What type of oil is best for toasting peanuts and sesame seeds?
A: A neutral oil such as grapeseed is best for toasting peanuts and sesame seeds.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the salad?
A: The salad takes 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Q: Can I use different types of tomatoes for the salad?
A: Yes, you can combine tomato varieties and sizes for a more varied texture and appearance.
Q: Where can I find more recipes like this one?
A: You can find more recipes at Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap
Originally Published: July 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM EDT