Ensalada Criolla
Argentine Creole Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Argentine salad, typically served as a side dish with grilled meats (asado). It features thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers dressed in a simple vinaigrette. The key is the freshness and balance of flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Ripe tomatoes(Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well.)
- 2 Red onion(Red onion provides a milder bite and beautiful color. If you prefer a sharper onion flavor, you can use yellow or white onion.)
- 2 Bell peppers(A mix of colors adds visual appeal. Red bell peppers are sweeter, while green ones offer a slightly more bitter note.)
- 60 ml Olive oil(Good quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor.)
- 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar(Adjust to your preference for tanginess.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.)
- 1 cup Water(For soaking the onion.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onion: Peel the red onions and slice them very thinly into rings or half-moons. Place the sliced onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other vegetables. This step significantly mellows the onion's sharp bite.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and slice them thinly. You can slice them into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Place the sliced tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Prepare the bell peppers: Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and slice them thinly into strips or small dice. Add the sliced bell peppers to the bowl with the tomatoes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Drain the onions: Once the onions have soaked, drain them thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess water. Add the drained onions to the bowl with the tomatoes and bell peppers.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Make the dressing: In a small separate bowl or directly over the vegetables, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tomatoes mushy.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Serve: Ensalada Criolla is best served fresh. Allow it to sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, but avoid letting it sit for too long, especially if you want to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This salad is an indispensable accompaniment to Argentine Asado (barbecue).
- ✓For a fresher taste, prepare the vegetables just before serving.
- ✓If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- ✓Ensure all vegetables are sliced uniformly for even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the dressing for an herbaceous note.
- Finely mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add to the dressing for a pungent kick.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
- A pinch of sugar can be added to the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar.