Tomato Pomegranate Salad with Black Lime Onions
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 people as a side
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Calories
160 kcal
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Tomato Pomegranate Salad with Black Lime Onions
Description
Tomato Pomegranate Salad with Black Lime Onions features a mix of tomato varieties combined with basil and pomegranate seeds. The salad is dressed with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and red wine vinegar, which imparts a lively and slightly sweet tang. Thinly sliced red onions are macerated with black lime powder or sumac and vinegar to soften and add a citrusy, earthy sharpness.
The salad balances the juicy and acidic characteristics of ripe tomatoes with the crunchy jewel-like pomegranate seeds and bright herbal notes of basil. Black lime seasoning provides a distinctive depth to the onions that enhance the overall flavor profile.
This salad suits summer meals and pairs well with grilled meats or as a colorful side dish. The layering technique keeps the textures distinct for an appealing presentation. Flaked sea salt sprinkled on the tomato slices elevates their natural sweetness.
Black lime powder can be made by grinding dried black limes pulp and skin; sumac is a suitable substitute. The salad dressing can be adjusted for sweetness and acidity to taste.
Ingredients
Black lime onions
- 1 red onion or half a normal red onion, baby
- 1 teaspoon black lime or 2 teaspoons sumac, ground
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- pinch salt
Pomegranate salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses , or vino cotto
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Tomato pomegranate salad
- ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1½ pounds tomato ideally a mix of different sizes and colours of ripe summer tomatoes
- 1 cup basil loosely packed leaves
- sea salt optional, flaked
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion into rounds using a mandolin. A sharp knife will also do the trick – cut the onion in half first and slice it into thin half-moon shapes.
- Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the rest of the black lime onion ingredients. Mix everything together and gently massage the black lime (or sumac) into the onions with your hands. Leave for 20 minutes to macerate and soften while you assemble the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate salad dressing ingredients. Set aside until needed.
- Slice any large tomatoes into discs. Cut small tomatoes (like cherry tomatoes) in half.
- Place the small, cut tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Tear the basil leaves, reserving some for garnish, and add to the bowl. Add half the pomegranate seeds and all of the dressing. Then gently mix it all together.
- To serve, arrange the slices of large tomatoes along the edge of a shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle the tomato slices with flaked sea salt. Gently tip the small tomato mix into the centre of the bowl. Remove the black lime onions from the vinegar and scatter over the salad. Top with the remaining pomegranate jewels and basil leaves. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt to taste and serve straight away.
Notes
- Use dried black limes ground to a powder for the unique onion seasoning; sumac can substitute if unavailable.
- Use a variety of ripe tomatoes for color and flavor contrast.
- Slice onions thinly and allow to macerate about 20 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain texture and bright flavors.
- Sprinkle flaked sea salt on tomato slices just before serving to enhance sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people as a side
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 160kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 302mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 518mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1681IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.