This Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad is a fresh and zesty recipe, which is made with heirloom tomatoes and fresh horseradish. It’s an ideal side dish, ready in about 15 minutes.
Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into ½-inch-thick rounds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons aquavit (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated horseradish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
How To Make Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad
- Arrange and Season the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on a large platter in a single, overlapping layer. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the optional aquavit, the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Drizzle this dressing evenly over the seasoned tomatoes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with the celery seeds, caraway seeds, freshly grated horseradish, and the optional chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- What are the best tomatoes to use? The success of this simple salad depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Use the best, ripest, in-season heirloom tomatoes you can find. A mix of different colors and sizes makes for a beautiful presentation.
- How to get the best horseradish flavor? For that signature zesty, spicy kick of a Bloody Mary, it is essential to use freshly grated horseradish root. You can find whole horseradish root in the produce section. The prepared, creamy horseradish in a jar will not have the same pungent flavor.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? This salad is at its best when it is assembled and served immediately. You can make the vinaigrette up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Slice the tomatoes and assemble just before you plan to eat.
- What is aquavit and do I need it? Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit flavored with botanicals, primarily caraway. It adds an authentic, savory note that mimics the vodka in a Bloody Mary. However, it is completely optional, or you can substitute it with an equal amount of good quality vodka.
What To Serve With Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad
This bright and zesty salad is a fantastic side dish for brunch or a summer cookout. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled Steak or a simple burger
- Roasted or grilled chicken
- A classic brunch spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and quiche
- A simple piece of grilled fish, like salmon or cod
How To Store Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad
- Best Eaten Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed on the day it is made.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. Note that the tomatoes will release more of their juices and the texture will soften over time.
Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
The “spice” in this salad comes from the pungent heat of the fresh horseradish, not from chili peppers. The level of heat is easily adjustable by adding more or less horseradish to your taste.
Absolutely! For an even more authentic Bloody Mary experience, you could add a very finely diced celery stalk to the salad along with the tomatoes for a bit of extra crunch.
No, but they are highly recommended for their superior flavor and beautiful appearance. If you can’t find them, any ripe, flavorful garden tomato, like a beefsteak or vine-ripened tomato, will also be delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Tomatoes with Lightly Whipped Cream Recipe
- Tomato and Brie Tart Recipe
- Grilled Chicken and Eggplant with Mozzarella and Tomatoes Recipe
Bloody-Mary Tomato Salad Recipe
Description
A bright and zesty tomato salad that captures all the classic savory and spicy flavors of a Bloody Mary cocktail in a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single, overlapping layer on a large platter.
- Season the tomatoes generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the optional aquavit, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the top with celery seeds, caraway seeds, the grated horseradish, and fresh chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to use the best quality, ripe, in-season tomatoes you can find, as they are the star of the show.
- For the most authentic Bloody Mary “kick,” it is essential to use freshly grated horseradish root, not the prepared creamy kind.
- This salad is best assembled just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
- Don’t be shy with the flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; they are key to bringing out the flavor of the tomatoes.