Cherry Tomato Salads

Basil and Mozzarella

Greek

Rating: 5 of 5

Ingredients:

Greek
    2 pints cherry tomatoes , ripe, quartered (about 4 cups) (see note)
    Table salt
    1/2 teaspoon sugar
    2 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 medium shallot , minced (about 3 tablespoons)
    1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    Ground black pepper
    1 small cucumber , peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
    1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
    4 ounces feta cheese , crumbled (about 1 cup)
    3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Mozzarella and Basil
    2 pints cherry tomatoes , ripe, quartered (about 4 cups) (see note)
    Table salt
    1/2 teaspoon sugar
    1 medium shallot , minced (about 3 tablespoons)
    1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    Ground black pepper
    1 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves , roughly torn
    8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes and patted dry with paper towels

Directions:

    1. Toss tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sugar in medium bowl; let stand for 30 minutes. Transfer tomatoes to salad spinner and spin until seeds and excess liquid have been removed, 45 to 60 seconds, stirring to redistribute tomatoes several times during spinning. Return tomatoes to bowl and set aside. Strain tomato liquid through fine-mesh strainer into liquid measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

    2. Bring 1/2 cup tomato liquid (discard any extra), garlic, oregano, shallot, and vinegar to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced to 3 tablespoons, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to small bowl and cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes. Whisk in oil and pepper to taste until combined. Taste and season with up to 1/8 teaspoon table salt.

    3. For Greek: Add cucumber, olives, feta, dressing, and parsley to bowl with tomatoes; toss gently and serve. For Mozzarella and Basil: Add basil, cheese, and dressing to bowl with tomatoes; toss gently and serve.