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Ensalada Criolla

Name: Ensalada Criolla
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 300 g ripe tomatoes; 100 g red onion; 120 g red bell pepper; 15 g flat-leaf parsley; 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil; 15 ml red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 10 g fresh red chili; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ensalada Criolla is a bright, juicy salad of tomatoes, onion, and red pepper tossed in a sharp, herby dressing. Fresh parsley, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of chili give it the lively flavor of a chimichurri-inspired salad, while keeping the texture crisp and refreshing.

10 min

2 servings

181 kcal

Argentinian

Ingredients

Ensalada

300 gripe tomatoes
100 gred onion
120 gred bell pepper
15 gflat-leaf parsley

Aderezo criollo

30 mlextra-virgin olive oil
15 mlred wine vinegar
1 tspdried oregano
10 gfresh red chili
1/2 tspfine sea salt
1/4 tspblack pepper

Instructions

1
Wash and dry the vegetables. Cut the ripe tomatoes into bite-size wedges, slice the red onion as thinly as possible, and cut the red bell pepper into thin strips. Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley and the fresh red chili. For a milder salad, remove the chili seeds first.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, fine sea salt, and black pepper until combined. Stir in the chopped fresh red chili so the dressing is evenly seasoned.
3
Add the sliced red onion to the dressing and toss for about 1 minute. This quick marinade slightly softens the onion's sharpness, which is especially useful in a beginner-friendly raw salad.
4
Add the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly so the tomatoes stay intact and every piece is lightly coated in the dressing.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately in shallow bowls or on a platter. If you have an extra few minutes, letting it stand briefly will help the juices mingle, but it is ready to eat right away.

Nutrition per serving

181 kcal

Calories

Protein

11g

Carbs

15g

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•Use the ripest tomatoes you can find; this salad depends on fresh, sweet-acidic flavor rather than cooking.
•If the onion is very pungent, rinse the sliced onion briefly under cold water before dressing, then dry well.
•Ensalada Criolla is excellent alongside grilled vegetables, crusty bread, beans, or a barbecue-style main.
•For the most authentic texture, keep the cuts rustic rather than overly small.

Background

Ensalada Criolla is a classic table salad in Argentina, commonly served with asado and other grilled foods. Its name reflects the criollo tradition of simple, local preparations built from everyday produce, vinegar, oil, and herbs. Variations appear across the Southern Cone, but the bright mix of tomato, onion, and pepper is especially familiar in Argentine home cooking.

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