Chilled Tomato Salad

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🧊 A Cool Taste of Summer

Looking for something refreshing during hot summer days? Try this Chilled Marinated Tomato Salad! Sweet, tangy, and super easy to prepare—it’s a favorite on Chinese family tables in the summer.

🍅 Ingredients

You’ll need:

2 large tomatoes
1 tbsp sugar
1.5 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
A pinch of salt (optional)
Minced garlic (optional)
Chopped scallions (optional)

🍳 Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Wash and cut the tomatoes

Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. If they feel waxy, soak them in light salt water or baking soda water for a few minutes, then scrub gently. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Cut into bite-sized chunks—big enough to retain some texture. If you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth feel, consider peeling the tomatoes by scoring the skin and blanching them briefly in hot water.

Step 2: Add seasoning and mix gently

Place the tomato chunks into a mixing bowl. Add sugar, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Fine white sugar dissolves quickly and blends well. Rice vinegar offers a milder tang, but feel free to use lemon juice for a citrusy twist. Stir gently with a spoon or chopsticks to coat the tomatoes evenly, being careful not to mash them.

Step 3: Marinate for 10 minutes

Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the tomatoes to soak in the sweet and tangy flavors while releasing their natural juices. The result? A lightly pickled tomato with a refreshing dressing you’ll want to slurp up! You can marinate at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge if it’s a particularly hot day.

Step 4: Add garlic or scallions and chill

Add a bit of minced garlic if you like a slight pungent kick—it enhances the flavor contrast beautifully. Not a garlic fan? Use chopped scallions for a gentle aromatic lift. For best results, chill the salad in the fridge for 10–20 minutes before serving. That cold, tangy burst is pure summer joy on a plate!