This salad is very similar to my summer Mediterranean salad that I made earlier this year. I got the inspiration for this salad from Ottolenghi book Plenty More. this salad is the combination of late summer tomatoes and early pomegranates, I made this sometime late October when my garden still had the last tomatoes of the season, yes in California we get heirloom tomatoes right upto early November. However I noticed because the recipe calls for use of fresh pomegranates that brings rich flavor and sweetness you can get away with greenhouse winter tomatoes too.
Ottolenghi describes this recipe as one of his favorite salads inspired by his travel to Turkey. It’s definitely has plenty of Turkish-Mediterranean flavors and is incredibly delicious. I tweaked his original recipe just a bit with local California ingredients, but rest assured it’s one of the best salads Ive eaten too. Try it with kebabs, shawarma, falafels or just spoon it straight into your mouth.
Btw I’m working on posting a plant based sharawma recipe soon.
- SERVES about 4-5
- Recipe adapted from Plenty More by Ottolenghi
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups, about 600-700 grams baby and/or Regular tomatoes, choose heirloom varieties when in season, mix different varieties and colors for brilliant taste and texture. Diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 large pomegranate, about 1 cup arils
- 1/4 cup green olives sliced
- 2 medium sized cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses or maple syrup
- 3-4 tablespoons your very best E.V olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground all spice
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- sea salt and black pepper
In a large salad bowl mix tomatoes, half the pomegranate, chopped red pepper, chopped red onions, and set aside.
To make the dressing: add garlic, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, all spice and blend. Pour ocer the tomato salad bowl and gently mix. Season as needed and top with pomegranate arils and oregano leaves only. Serve right away.
Add more olive oil if needed for more yumminess.
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