How to Make Chef John's Tomato and "Dirt" Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a unique and visually stunning salad to impress your guests with, then look no further than Chef John's Tomato and "Dirt" Salad. This striking dish features vibrant, ripe tomatoes paired with a crunchy "dirt" topping, creating a playful presentation that is sure to delight diners of all ages. With just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, this salad is not only visually impressive but also incredibly delicious.

Chef John's Tomato and "Dirt" Salad is a pe...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more if needed
  • 3 large brown mushrooms, finely minced
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 slices dark rye bread
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground almonds
  • 8 ounces burrata cheese
  • 3 ripe fresh tomatoes, sliced
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar, or to taste
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 small portions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely minced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir until mushrooms completely dry out and turn golden brown, 7 or 8 minutes, reducing heat slightly toward the end if needed.
  • Break bread into large chunks and place in food processor. Pulse on and off until processed into fine crumbs. Add crumbs to mushroom mixture. Cook over medium heat until breadcrumbs are completely dried out, dark brown and toasted. Drizzle in more oil if needed. Stir in ground almonds. Continue cooking on medium until pieces of almond turn brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow "dirt" mixture to cool to room temperature.
  • Scoop spoonfuls of burrata into serving bowls. Arrange tomato slices on top. Drizzle with white wine vinegar and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and basil. Sprinkle with "dirt" mixture.
  • Nutrition

    439 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 40mg
    • Sodium: 445mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 17g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 12g
    • Vitamin C: 15mg
    • Calcium: 38mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 384mg