Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad

The Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines fresh, seasonal produce with a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette. Its rich colors are a feast for the eyes, and its taste is a delight for the palate, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that exemplify healthy eating at its finest.

The dish’s star is the purple tomato, known for its deep, rich color and sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Purple tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthful addition to any meal. Slicing the tomatoes thinly allows their natural juices to mingle with the other ingredients, creating a fresh and juicy base for the salad.

What is a purple tomato?

Purple tomatoes are a type of heirloom tomatoes recognized for their deep, rich color, ranging from dark purple to almost black. This color comes from high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidants with potential health benefits. These tomatoes are known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor and are commonly used in salads, sauces, and salsas for their distinct taste and striking appearance.

The sautéed mixture of green chard and purple onion complements the purple tomatoes. Green chard, a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, is known for its slightly bitter and earthy flavor. When sautéed with purple onion, which adds a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch, the chard becomes tender and its flavors mellow, creating a savory topping for the tomatoes.

The vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful combination of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This dressing perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes, which ties the salad components together beautifully. The olive oil provides a smooth base, while the red wine vinegar adds necessary acidity. Dijon mustard introduces a slight sharpness, and honey adds a touch of sweetness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing with its citrusy freshness, and minced garlic infuses it with a subtle pungency.

To serve, arrange the sliced purple tomatoes on a serving platter or individual plates. Top the tomatoes with the warm, sautéed green chard and onion mixture. This combination allows the warm vegetables to slightly soften the tomatoes, enhancing their flavor and texture.

For the finishing touches, a generous drizzle of the vinaigrette is added just before serving. This ensures that each bite is well-coated with the tangy, savory dressing. Garnishing the salad with lemon zest adds a citrus aroma and flavor, while grated Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, umami element that complements the fresh vegetables. Freshly chopped basil rounds out the garnishes with a nice herbal note.

The Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a starter for a more elaborate meal. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an appealing choice for casual and elegant dining.

The Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad is a delicious, nutritious, and visually stunning dish that celebrates the natural flavors of fresh produce. Its textures, from juicy tomatoes to tender chard and crisp onions, and the perfectly balanced vinaigrette make it a standout addition to any meal.

Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SidesCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

The Purple Tomato and Sautéed Green Chard Salad features fresh purple tomatoes topped with a savory mix of sautéed green chard and purple onions and drizzled with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Garnished with lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this vibrant salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

• For the Salad

• 3-4 purple tomatoes, sliced

• 1 bunch of green chard, stems removed and chopped

• 1 large purple onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for garnish, lemon zest

• for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese

• for garnish, freshly chopped basil

• For the Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

• Prepare the Vinaigrette:
  Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Sauté the Green Chard and Onion:
  Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced purple onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped green chard to the skillet and continue to sauté until wilted and tender, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Assemble the Salad:
  Arrange the sliced purple tomatoes on a serving platter or individual plates. Top the tomato slices with the sautéed green chard and purple onion mixture. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
• Garnish and Serve:
  Garnish the salad with lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.