Alice Waters Simple Tomato Salad Recipe

Alice Waters founded her famous Berkeley restaurant, Chez Panisse, on the principle of using only pure fresh seasonal ingredients. She is an advocate for strong and sustainable agriculture, and a great supporter of farmers’ markets.

This savory Mediterranean salad–based on ripe, tasty tomatoes–was inspired by one of her beautiful cookbooks. It makes a great excuse to search out some fresh tomatoes at your local market. Then you can make this fabulously simple, delicious salad in honor of Alice!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ripe juicy tomatoes, heirloom varieties if possible
1/2 clove garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
handful fresh basil leaves
garlic croutons (optional)

1. Wash and core tomatoes and cut into thick slices or wedges.

2. Peel the garlic. In the salad bowl or platter you wish to use, rub the garlic, using the tips of a fork, to make a puree. Add the vinegar and oil. Then add the tomatoes, tossing gently to coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Slice mozzarella and tuck decoratively in and around the tomatoes. Scatter top of salad with basil leaves.

4. Add croutons, if using, to soak up the delicious juices.

Serves 4.

Read more: Food, All recipes, Soups & Salads

Inspired by Fanny at Chez Panisse, by Alice Waters (HarperCollins 1992).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jo A.

8:23PM PDT on Aug 22, 2011

Thanks for sharing Alice's recipe. Nice and simple, easy to do.

send a green star

Robert O.

3:58PM PDT on May 2, 2011

Thanks.

Teresa W.

6:03AM PDT on Sep 4, 2010

nice

Pradeep R.

1:08AM PDT on Sep 3, 2010

Alice Waters presents a cookbook full of very simple recipes: simple in .... I want to make fresh pasta, simple tomato sauce, yummy salad ..
http://www.healthcaretricks.com

NO EMAILS P.

1:31AM PDT on May 1, 2010

thanks

Abo r.

10:12AM PST on Feb 4, 2010

vegetable salad with TOMOTO and olive oil is healthy