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Caramelized Tomato Salad with San Simón Cheese

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This elegant vegetarian starter or light lunch celebrates the deep, rich flavours achieved through slow-roasting. By gently confiting cherry tomatoes in olive oil, sugar and thyme, they transform into intensely sweet gems that provide a striking contrast to the fresh, acidic bite of raw tomatoes. The addition of San Simón, a Spanish cow’s milk cheese with a subtly smoky profile, brings a creamy complexity that elevates this salad into something truly special.

Perfect for a sophisticated weekend brunch or as part of a summer sharing spread, this dish is as practical as it is delicious. You can prepare the caramelised tomatoes up to two days in advance, allowing the flavours to develop beautifully. Serve it at room temperature with plenty of crisp baguette toasts to soak up the fragrant sherry vinegar dressing.

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Ingredients for Caramelized Tomato Salad with San Simón Cheese

  • 475ml olive oil

  • 800g cherry tomatoes, divided

  • 100g sugar

  • 2 large fresh thyme sprigs

  • 80ml Sherry wine vinegar

  • 230g San Simón cheese,* cut into 1/3-inch cubes

  • 8 spring onions, thinly sliced

  • Fresh chervil sprigs (for garnish)

  • 16 toasted baguette slices

How to make Caramelized Tomato Salad with San Simón Cheese

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Preheat oven to 135°C. Place oil, 350g tomatoes, sugar, and thyme in 8 x 8 x 2-inch metal baking dish. Roast until tomatoes are very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool caramelized tomatoes in oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.

Using slotted spoon, transfer tomatoes to large bowl. Transfer 240ml oil from tomatoes to medium bowl (reserve any remaining oil for another use). Add vinegar to oil in medium bowl; whisk to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

Add 450g fresh tomatoes, cheese, and dressing to bowl with caramelized tomatoes; toss gently. Top with spring onions and chervil. Serve with toasts.

San Simón_cheese, a smoked cheese shaped like a bell, is sold at natural foods stores, specialty foods stores, and latienda. com. Smoked Gouda can be substituted._

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.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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