While tomato season is almost over, there is still plenty of time to enjoy them.
Today's recipe for a sliced tomato salad that is paired with a Caesar-like vinaigrette is just the ticket. You can use any variety of tomato in this salad, but if you can get your hands on some heirlooms, albeit sometimes pricey, they have great flavor.
The salad comes together by layering tomato slices, seasoning each layer, and topping with baby arugula and a drizzle of a vinaigrette. When slicing tomatoes, I always use a serrated knife because I get the best slice.
When it comes to vinaigrette, I like to make my own. Sure, there's a lot of very good commercial ones that aren't loaded with fat and sugar. But sometimes it's just as easy to whip up your own with ingredients you have. Making your own means you can also adjust the ingredients to your own taste. Besides using a good olive oil, I always use some Dijon mustard in my basic vinaigrette because it helps emulsify the vinaigrette. When you make your own vinaigrette, keep in mind it should be used within 3 days.
Here are a few tips for making a good vinaigrette:
Use three parts oil to one part vinegar. This mean to make 1 cup vinaigrette you will need } cup oil and \ cup vinegar or other acidic ingredient like citrus juices.
Good quality fruity or mild olive oils work best. You can also use grapeseed and canola oil.
Use almost any vinegar, but keep in mind balsamic (the dark version) will have a stronger flavor than, say, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. You can also use fresh lemon or lime juice or experiment with other vinegars like sherry or rice.
Ingredients should be at room temperature so the vinaigrette emulsifies easily.
Whether you are using a food processor or whisking by hand, add the oil slowly in a steady stream. It will slowly come together.
If you've used Dijon in the vinaigrette and it breaks or looks curdled, try whisking in a small ice cube to bring it back together.
Season to taste, adding salt and pepper as desired, and fresh or dried herbs.
Another highlight of this dish is the bacon Parmesan crisps. We all know bacon and tomatoes go together, but the addition of Parmesan takes it to another level. These crisps are similar to what you might see as "frico" or cheese crisps. The difference is the addition of bacon. These are made in the oven and the only trick to them is not overcooking them, so watch them carefully.
