Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing
A vibrant salad featuring smoky charred green tomatoes, tangy pickled red onions, and a cooling buttermilk dressing inspired by Memphis soul food flavors. This american southern-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds green tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for dressing)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: To quick-pickle red onions, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1 medium thinly sliced red onion in a glass jar. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush 4 sliced green tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Grill the tomato slices for 3 minutes per side until they develop char marks and soften slightly.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Arrange the charred green tomato slices on a serving platter. Top with drained pickled red onions, drizzle with the buttermilk dressing, and sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans over the top.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a refreshing and smoky salad that balances tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (45 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Charred Green Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Buttermilk Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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