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This simple tomato garlic salad turns regular summer tomatoes into an amazing side that goes great with barbecue or works as a light meal on its own. The smooth, garlicky dressing makes a mouth-watering combo with juicy, fresh tomatoes.
I came up with this dish when my backyard garden gave me way too many tomatoes. These days it's the first thing my friends ask for when they drop by during tomato harvest time.
Main Components
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Go for richly colored ones that give slightly when pressed and feel substantial. They should smell sweet near the stem
- Garlic cloves: Pick firm bulbs with intact wrappers for that bold kick that makes this salad stand out
- Sour cream: The whole-fat kind gives you the thickest texture and helps coat the tomatoes perfectly
- Mayonnaise: Brings a velvety quality and keeps the dressing from separating
- Fresh dill: Grab bright, feathery bunches without yellow spots for the freshest taste
- Salt and pepper: Use kosher salt and pepper you've just ground yourself for the best flavor
Easy Preparation Steps
- Mix up your dressing:
- Stir sour cream and mayo together in a little bowl until they're fully blended. Grate your garlic with a microplane to get it super fine. Mix well so the garlic flavor spreads throughout the creamy mixture.
- Prep your tomatoes:
- Chop beefsteak tomatoes into chunky pieces around 1 to 1½ inches big. Don't go too small or they'll break down and get too watery. Put them in a big serving dish.
- Put it all together:
- Drizzle your garlic dressing over the tomato chunks. Scatter freshly chopped dill on top. Add plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully fold everything with a soft spatula so you don't squish the tomatoes. This gentle mixing coats everything while keeping the tomatoes intact.
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The real magic in this salad comes from the garlic. I found that using a microplane instead of chopping creates a stronger flavor that gets into every mouthful. My grandma showed me this trick when I was little, telling me that getting the garlic right turns good food into something unforgettable.
Prep Ahead Ideas
You can fix this salad up to 4 hours before you plan to eat. For best results, make the dressing on its own and put it in the fridge. Cut up the tomatoes and leave them out at room temp to keep their flavor. Mix everything about 30 minutes before serving so flavors can blend but tomatoes stay firm.
Swap-Out Options
Though beefsteak tomatoes work best with their thick flesh and sweet taste, this salad turns out great with heirloom varieties or even small cherry tomatoes cut in half or quarters. If you're not into dill, try fresh basil or chives instead. Want something lighter? Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. The extra tang adds a nice brightness that works well with sweet tomatoes.
Pairing Ideas
This creamy tomato mix goes wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, beef or fish. The cool, smooth texture feels great against smoky flavors. It's also fantastic spooned onto toasted sourdough for a quick lunch. For a complete summer dinner, serve it with corn on the cob and grilled veggies. You can even turn it into a light meal by putting it on top of some tender greens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could cherry tomatoes replace beefsteak ones?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes bring a tangy, sweet burst that's great in this mix.
- → What’s a lighter dressing option?
Sub the mayo for Greek yogurt to keep it creamy and lower the calories a bit.
- → How long does it stay tasty?
It’s best chilled and eaten fresh but keeps in the fridge for about a day in a sealed container.
- → Can I prep the sauce early?
Totally! The garlic cream dressing holds for up to 48 hours when refrigerated before tossing it with the veggies.
- → What if I’m out of dill?
No dill? Use parsley, chopped basil, or chives for a great taste swap.