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Summer Tomatoes

This vibrant summer tomato salad celebrates the peak of the season when tomatoes are at their most fragrant and juicy. By layering thick slices of ripe fruit with a tangy malt vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil dressing, you create a simple yet sophisticated dish that lets the natural flavours shine. The addition of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper draws out the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the spring onions provide a mild, crisp finish.

As a refreshing vegan side dish, these tomatoes are the perfect accompaniment to grilled sourdough or as a bright addition to a summer spread. This recipe is incredibly quick to assemble, making it an ideal choice for outdoor dining or a light lunch. For the best results, ensure your tomatoes are at room temperature to fully appreciate their rich, summery aroma.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Summer Tomatoes

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons malt vinegar

  • 3/4 teaspoons packed light brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt (preferably flaky sea salt or fleur de sel)

  • 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

  • 900g ripe tomatoes, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • 1 spring onion, thinly sliced diagonally

How to make Summer Tomatoes

Whisk together oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Arrange one third of tomatoes in 1 layer on a large plate, then drizzle with some dressing and sprinkle with some spring onion. Make 2 more layers of tomatoes, drizzling each with dressing and sprinkling with spring onion.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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