Name: Spiced Tomato Salad with Creamy Garlic-Lime Dressing
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅛ plus ¼ teaspoon table salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ⅛ teaspoon sugar; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; ⅓ cup thinly sliced shallot; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 teaspoon juice; ⅓ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges

Why This Recipe Works

A simple tomato and mayonnaise sandwich is an icon for a reason: The rich, creamy condiment is the perfect foil for the fruit's sweet-tartness. That contrast was the inspiration for this bright, summery salad of tomato wedges on a sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. A simple spice blend of salt, sugar, and earthy cumin and paprika punched up moderately sweet and tangy vine-ripened tomatoes. Cutting the tomatoes into wedges ensured juiciness in every bite. The creamy dressing provided richness and moderate tang that enhanced the tomatoes' acid. Cilantro and thinly sliced shallot contributed freshness and subtle bite.

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Before You Begin

Choose tomatoes that are ripe but firm. Scoop up some of the dressing with the tomatoes and shallot mixture when serving.

Instructions

Combine ⅛ teaspoon salt, cumin, paprika, sugar, and pepper in small bowl. Toss shallot, cilantro, oil, and lime juice together in second small bowl.

Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in bowl until combined. Spread dressing evenly in large circle over bottom of large plate.

Arrange tomatoes, cut sides up, on top of dressing. Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over tomatoes. Garnish with shallot mixture and serve.