Magic Tomato Salad
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
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1½–2 lbs ripe tomatoes (heirloom, vine-ripe, or cherry)
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¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1½ tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic for deeper flavor)
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1 tsp sugar (this is the “magic”)
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½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
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Freshly cracked black pepper
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Optional add-ins: fresh basil, parsley, or oregano
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep tomatoes
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Slice or wedge tomatoes into bite-size pieces.
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Place in a serving bowl.
2️⃣ Add the magic
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Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and sugar.
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Add red onion.
3️⃣ Dress
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Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over everything.
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Toss gently to combine.
4️⃣ Rest (important!)
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Let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
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This draws out juices and creates that insanely good tomato “sauce.”
5️⃣ Finish
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Add black pepper and herbs if using.
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Taste and adjust salt or vinegar.
Why it works
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Salt + sugar intensify tomato flavor without making it sweet.
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Resting time lets tomatoes release juices → instant dressing.
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Simple fat + acid = pure balance.
Serve it with
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Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
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Crusty bread to soak up the juices (mandatory, honestly)
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Spoon it over burrata or fresh mozzarella
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Pile it on toast with ricotta
If you want, I can give you a Mediterranean magic version with olives & feta, or a viral TikTok upgrade people lose their minds over 🍅🔥