Chop tomatoes, bell pepper, dill, and parsley.
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, paprika, and garlic.
Toss veggies with dressing, add chili if desired, serve fresh.

🌿 Juicy Tomato & Herb Salad with Magic Garlic Paprika Dressing

This vibrant, fresh salad combines ripe tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, fragrant herbs, and a bold, tangy “magic” dressing bursting with garlic and paprika. It’s a perfect side for grilled meats, fresh bread, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread. The recipe is written in a chef-style, step-by-step format to ensure you get restaurant-quality results every time.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 800–900 g ripe, juicy tomatoes — ideally a mix of heirloom, cherry, or vine-ripened varieties for color and flavor depth
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), finely chopped — adds sweetness and crunch
  • A bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped — about 3 tablespoons packed
  • A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped — about 3 tablespoons packed

For the Magic Dressing

  • 50 ml extra virgin olive oil — fruity and cold-pressed for the best flavor
  • 25 ml red wine vinegar — adds tang and brightness
  • 30 ml water — helps mellow the acidity
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 3 teaspoons sugar — balances acidity from vinegar and tomatoes
  • ½ tablespoon sweet paprika — gives color and a warm, sweet smokiness
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced to a paste — the heart of the dressing

Optional Additions

  • Fresh chili or cayenne pepper for heat
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast
  • Sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist

🍅 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select and Prepare the Tomatoes

Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. A mix of sizes and colors makes the salad more visually appealing and layered in taste. Wash them well under cold running water, pat dry, and remove the stems.

  • For large heirloom tomatoes: cut into wedges.
  • For cherry tomatoes: halve them.
  • For vine-ripened tomatoes: slice into rounds or chunks.

This variety will ensure each bite has a mix of sweetness, tartness, and texture.

2. Prepare the Bell Pepper

Wash, remove the core and seeds, and finely chop. The small pieces will distribute sweetness evenly without overpowering the tomatoes. If you want extra crunch, keep the pieces slightly larger.

3. Chop the Fresh Herbs

Finely chop the dill and parsley. For the best flavor, chop just before mixing to keep the herbs vibrant and aromatic. Avoid over-chopping, as this can bruise the herbs and cause them to release too much moisture.

4. Make the Magic Garlic Paprika Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:

  1. Add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and water.
  2. Stir in the salt, sugar, and sweet paprika.
  3. Add the minced garlic. For a smoother texture, mash the garlic with a pinch of salt using the side of your knife before adding.
  4. Whisk or shake until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust — add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for brightness, or paprika for smokiness.

5. Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper.
  2. Pour the magic dressing over the vegetables.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped dill and parsley on top.
  4. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats every piece.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tomatoes mushy.

6. Optional Heat Boost

If you like spice, finely chop a fresh chili or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing before tossing. This gives the salad a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

7. Rest for Maximum Flavor

Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the tomatoes to release their juices, blending with the dressing into a flavorful natural sauce.

8. Serving Suggestions

  • With bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or toasted pita to soak up the delicious juices.
  • With protein: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
  • As mezze: Include in a platter with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and cheese.

9. Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The tomatoes will soften, but the flavors will deepen. Avoid freezing.

💡 Chef’s Tips for Best Results

  • Tomato tip: Never refrigerate tomatoes before making this salad — cold temperatures dull their flavor.
  • Garlic tip: Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced, for the most aromatic dressing.
  • Paprika choice: Use high-quality sweet paprika (Spanish or Hungarian) for a richer, more complex taste.

🥗 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 4 servings)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbs: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g