Authentic Spanish Tomato Salad with Chorizo & Almonds: A Vibrant Summer Delight

This vibrant Spanish tomato salad masterfully combines the sweet juiciness of ripe tomatoes with the irresistible crunch of toasted almonds, the savory kick of spicy chorizo, and the creamy tang of crumbled feta. The result is a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors and a delightful medley of textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coasts of Spain. Perfect as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side, it’s a true celebration of summer’s bounty.

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Summer brings an unparalleled joy to the kitchen, especially when my local markets are overflowing with an abundance of colorful, perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes. There’s truly nothing quite like their sweet, sun-kissed flavor, and my primary goal each year is to showcase them in as many vibrant and fresh salads as possible. It’s about savoring that fleeting, peak-season taste before it’s gone.

While an Italian Caprese pasta salad often finds its way onto my summer menu, I discovered a captivating alternative several years ago. My inspiration struck while watching a Jamie Oliver TV show set in Andalusia, where he presented a delightful Spanish take on the classic Italian Panzanella salad. That experience sparked the idea for my own version of a Spanish tomato salad, transforming a simple dish into something extraordinary. By incorporating the bold, spicy notes of chorizo, the creamy saltiness of crumbled feta cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, this salad achieves an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that feels both hearty and refreshing, perfect for warm weather. I often serve it with a generous loaf of crusty bread, not just for dipping, but to ensure not a single drop of those delicious, savory salad juices goes to waste—they are truly liquid gold!

Why This Spanish Tomato Salad Is a Summer Must-Make

Beyond its delicious taste, this Spanish tomato salad offers a fantastic combination of convenience, nutrition, and versatility. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to make the most of fresh summer produce without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Power of Peak-Season Tomatoes

At the heart of this recipe are fresh tomatoes. Choosing ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes is paramount. Their natural sweetness and acidity form the perfect base for the other robust ingredients. Mixed varieties add visual appeal and a spectrum of subtle flavor nuances. When tomatoes are at their best, they require minimal fuss to shine, and this salad lets their natural glory take center stage.

A Symphony of Textures and Flavors

What truly elevates this Spanish tomato salad is the thoughtful combination of ingredients that deliver distinct textures and flavors:

Juicy Tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and bursting with freshness.
Salty Feta: Adds a creamy, briny counterpoint that balances the richness of the chorizo.
Spicy Chorizo: Provides a deep umami flavor, a hint of spice, and a wonderful crispness when sautéed.
Crunchy Almonds: Toasted almonds offer an earthy depth and an essential textural contrast to the softer ingredients.

These components come together to create a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritious and Versatile: Serve It Your Way

This Spanish tomato salad is nutritious enough to be enjoyed as a satisfying main course, especially when paired with crusty bread. The protein from the chorizo and feta, combined with the healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, makes it a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, you can serve it in smaller portions alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish, adding a vibrant and refreshing component to your spread. It’s also an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, or any casual gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.

The Secret to Flavorful Tomatoes: Salting and Resting

One crucial, yet often overlooked, step in preparing this salad (and many other tomato dishes) is salting and resting the tomatoes. This simple technique works wonders by drawing out excess water, which can otherwise dilute the flavor and make your salad watery. As the water drips away, the natural sugars and acids in the tomatoes become more concentrated, intensifying their inherent sweetness and tang. Furthermore, the tomatoes absorb just the right amount of salt during this process, ensuring they are perfectly seasoned from the inside out. With the addition of already salty ingredients like chorizo and feta, you’ll likely find that you won’t need to add much, if any, additional salt to the finished salad. However, always remember to taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

Maximizing Flavor with Infused Oil

Another clever technique used in this recipe is infusing the olive oil with garlic while sautéing the chorizo. This step creates a wonderfully aromatic oil that carries the savory, smoky notes of the chorizo and the pungent warmth of garlic, which then coats the fresh tomatoes and herbs. Don’t discard any leftover infused oil! It’s a fantastic secret weapon for sautéing chicken, shrimp, or even drizzling over roasted vegetables, adding a layer of rich flavor to almost anything.

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Spanish Tomato Salad with Chorizo and Almonds

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this hearty tomato salad. Juicy summer tomatoes, crispy Spanish chorizo, tangy feta, and crunchy almonds come together in a symphony of taste and texture, creating an irresistibly delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time:15 minutes

Resting Time:15 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Marie Asselin

Ingredients

US Customary / Metric

16 oz mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp kosher salt, or fine sea salt
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 oz thinly sliced Spanish chorizo
1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced
¼ cup minced chives or green onions
¼ cup mixed fresh herbs, packed (oregano, basil, marjoram and/or flat-leaf parsley)
1 tbsp Sherry vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
2 ½ oz feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup coarsely chopped toasted almonds (see note)

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: Place the halved cherry tomatoes in a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Sprinkle with half of the kosher salt, toss well, then add the remaining salt and toss again. Allow the tomatoes to rest for 15 minutes; this crucial step draws out excess moisture and concentrates their flavor.
Cook the Chorizo: In a nonstick skillet set over medium heat, warm up 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the thinly sliced chorizo and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp up and render its delicious oils, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Add the very thinly sliced garlic clove to the warm chorizo and oil mixture; stir well to infuse the oil with garlic flavor without burning it. Pour the chorizo and garlic mixture (including the flavorful oil) into a separate bowl and let it cool slightly.
Drain Tomatoes: Lightly toss the cherry tomatoes again in the colander. Discard any accumulated juice that has been drawn out.
Assemble the Salad Base: Transfer the drained tomatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, minced chives (or green onions), mixed fresh herbs, and sherry vinegar. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Incorporate Chorizo and Garlic Oil: Using a slotted spoon, carefully add the crispy chorizo and garlic slices to the tomato salad. Then, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the flavorful garlic-infused frying oil from the chorizo bowl. Toss the salad again to ensure everything is well coated and integrated. (Pro tip: Keep any remaining garlic-infused frying oil in an airtight container in the fridge—it’s incredibly delicious for sautéing chicken, shrimp, or vegetables later!)
SERVING: When you are ready to serve the salad, add half of the crumbled feta cheese and toss gently to combine. Transfer the vibrant Spanish tomato salad to a large serving platter or individual plates. Garnish generously by sprinkling the remaining feta cheese and the coarsely chopped toasted almonds over the top. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread to soak up all the delectable, flavorful juices!
STORAGE: This salad can be prepared up to 1 day ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best possible flavor and texture, make sure to return the Spanish tomato salad to room temperature at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to truly bloom and the olive oil to regain its fluidity.

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Expert Tips for the Best Spanish Tomato Salad

To truly elevate your Spanish tomato salad and ensure a perfect result every time, consider these expert tips:

Choose the Right Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes are recommended for their bite-sized convenience and concentrated sweetness, you can also use larger ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped. Just ensure they are firm and intensely flavored. Heirloom tomatoes add a beautiful array of colors and unique tastes.
Quality of Chorizo Matters: Opt for good quality Spanish chorizo, whether it’s a cured variety that you slice thinly or a fresh cooking chorizo that you crumble and cook. The flavor it imparts is a cornerstone of this salad.
Toast Your Almonds: Don’t skip toasting the almonds! This simple step brings out their nutty flavor and enhances their crunch, adding a significant depth to the salad. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, or spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Fresh Herbs are Key: The mix of fresh herbs adds brightness and aromatic complexity. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your preference. Basil, oregano, marjoram, and flat-leaf parsley are classic Mediterranean choices that work wonderfully here.
Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for both cooking the chorizo and dressing the salad. Its fruity, peppery notes are essential to the overall flavor profile.
Sherry Vinegar’s Role: Sherry vinegar offers a distinct, nuanced acidity that is more complex than other vinegars. It’s worth seeking out for its authentic Spanish touch. If unavailable, a good quality red wine vinegar can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving! With salty ingredients like chorizo and feta, you might not need much more salt, but a final grind of black pepper or a touch more sherry vinegar can balance the flavors perfectly.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This versatile Spanish tomato salad is wonderfully adaptable to various meals and occasions:

As a Light Lunch or Dinner: Served with a rustic loaf of bread, it’s a complete and satisfying meal on its own. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the bowl.
Alongside Grilled Delights: It makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork chops, lamb, or seafood like shrimp and calamari. Its freshness cuts through the richness of grilled meats.
Part of a Tapas Spread: If you’re hosting a Spanish-themed gathering, this salad fits right in with other tapas such as patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, or tortilla Española.
Beverage Pairings: For wine lovers, a crisp, dry Spanish Albariño or Verdejo would complement the salad beautifully. A light-bodied rosé or even a dry fino sherry would also be delightful. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a refreshing iced tea works well.

This Spanish Tomato Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant expression of summer flavors and a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something truly special. Enjoy the process of bringing these delightful Spanish flavors to your table!

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