Tomato and Oaxacan Cheese Salad: A Taste of Southwestern Sunshine

I still remember the first time I tasted this salad. I was visiting a small, sun-drenched cafe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes against the creamy white cheese were instantly appealing. But it was the flavor – the sweet tang of the tomatoes, the salty, almost buttery Oaxacan cheese, and the subtle kick of the jalapeños – that truly captivated me. It was a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. This salad is like sunshine on a plate, and it always transports me back to that little cafe in the Southwest.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups Oaxacan cheese, hand-shredded
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 4 radishes, cut in half then thinly sliced
• 4 pickled jalapeño peppers, sliced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
• 4 large vine-ripe tomatoes, sliced thick

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Salad plates

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, slice the vine-ripe tomatoes into thick slices, about 1/2-inch thick. Gently place the tomato slices on a plate and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hand-shredded Oaxacan cheese, diced onion, chopped cilantro leaves, thinly sliced radishes, and sliced pickled jalapeño peppers.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cider vinegar, and kosher salt. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. This mixture will serve as the vinaigrette for the salad.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the cheese and vegetable mixture in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
5. To assemble the salad, arrange the tomato slices on individual salad plates. Create a visually appealing base.
6. Spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture over the tomato slices, layering it between the slices to create a stacked effect. Aim for an even distribution of the ingredients across all plates.
7. Finally, drizzle any remaining vinaigrette from the bowl over the assembled salads. This will add extra flavor and moisture.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the best flavor, use vine-ripened tomatoes that are at their peak ripeness. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid tomatoes that are bruised or overly soft.
• When shredding the Oaxacan cheese, try to pull it apart into thin strands. This will help it mix more evenly with the other ingredients and create a more delicate texture.
• Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to your liking. If you prefer a milder salad, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds before slicing.
• To prevent the onion flavor from being too overpowering, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow out its sharpness.
• If you don’t have cider vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Don’t overdress the salad. The vinaigrette should enhance the flavors of the ingredients, not mask them. Add it gradually and taste as you go.
• For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the vinaigrette.
• Stacking the salad makes for a beautiful presentation, but you can also simply toss all the ingredients together for a more casual approach.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Tomato and Oaxacan Cheese Salad is best served immediately, as the tomatoes can become soggy if left to sit for too long. Serve as a light lunch, a side dish to grilled meats or fish, or as an appetizer. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but the tomatoes may soften slightly. It is not recommended to freeze this salad.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	395 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	291 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	32.4 g	49%
Saturated Fat	11.2 g	56%
Cholesterol	36.2 mg	12%
Sodium	1362.3 mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate	14.9 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	6.2 g	N/A
Protein	13.2 g	26%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette or use hotter pickled jalapeños.
• If you can’t find Oaxacan cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Asadero cheese.
• Add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumber, bell peppers, or corn.
• For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Make a vegan version by using a plant-based cheese alternative.
• In the winter, when vine-ripened tomatoes aren’t at their best, use good quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, drained well.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: While the salad is best served immediately, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the tomatoes, shred the cheese, and chop the vegetables. Store each ingredient separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A: Simply omit the pickled jalapeños or use a milder variety. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeños to reduce the heat.

Q: Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
A: Fresh cilantro is always preferred for its flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, you can substitute it with dried cilantro. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro for every 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro.

Q: Is Oaxacan cheese the same as mozzarella?
A: Oaxacan cheese is similar to mozzarella in texture, but it has a slightly tangier flavor. It’s also braided, which gives it a unique appearance.

Q: What is the best way to store leftover salad?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but the tomatoes may soften slightly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Tomato and Oaxacan Cheese Salad a try. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your own taste preferences. I would love to hear your feedback, so please share your thoughts in the comments below. Consider pairing this salad with grilled fish or chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!