A super-simple, fresh side dish inspired by the image. Juicy ripe tomatoes are sliced and finished with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
Serves: 2–3
- 3–4 ripe tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil — optional
- 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar — optional
- Fresh parsley or basil — optional
Method
- Wash and dry the tomatoes.
- Cut them into ½-inch slices.
- Arrange the slices on a plate.
- Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice if desired.
- Let stand for 5 minutes so the seasoning can mingle with the tomato juices.
- Serve immediately.
Optional Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean: olive oil + oregano + feta
- Spicy: black pepper + chili flakes
- Tangy: lemon juice + chaat masala
- Herby: basil + olive oil
- Garlic: a tiny amount of grated fresh garlic + olive oil
Nut Information
- Nuts: None
- Peanuts: None
- Tree nuts: None
- Dairy: None
- Eggs: None
- Gluten: Naturally gluten-free
Allergen note: If using flavored seasonings, bottled dressings, or packaged spice blends, check their labels for possible allergens.
Nutrition
Plain raw tomatoes are very low in calories. Per 100 g, tomatoes provide about 18 calories, 3.9 g carbohydrate, 0.9 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 1.2 g fiber, 13.7 mg vitamin C, and 237 mg potassium.
The final nutrition depends mainly on how much salt and optional oil you add.
Q&A
Q: Can I eat tomatoes with just salt and pepper?
Yes! That’s all you need for the basic version.
Q: Should tomatoes be refrigerated?
For best flavor, keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature if you’re using them soon. Refrigeration can affect their texture and flavor.
Q: What tomatoes work best?
Use ripe, firm, juicy tomatoes such as Roma, vine-ripened, beefsteak, or heirloom varieties.
Q: Can I prepare them ahead?
You can slice them a little ahead, but they’re best served fresh. Salt can draw water from the tomatoes and make them softer.
Q: Can I add olive oil?
Absolutely. About 1 teaspoon per serving adds richness and makes a simple tomato salad more satisfying.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
Tomatoes can fit into a low-carb diet, although they do contain some natural carbohydrates.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
Add boiled eggs, cottage cheese, feta, avocado, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.
Q: Is black pepper necessary?
No. Salt alone works, but freshly ground black pepper gives the dish much more flavor.