Salada de Tomate e Pimentos Assados is a traditional salad from the Algarve, it comprises charcoal grilled peppers and tomatoes, onions, extra virgin olive oil, oregano and vinegar. This refreshing salad is usually paired with grilled sardines, but honestly it goes well with almost everything.
Traditional Portuguese Grilled Tomato and Pepper Salad
Summer is here, and so is grilled sardine season! To me there’s no better dish to pair with this Portuguese summer classic than this Algarvian salad. The traditional way is to grill both the peppers and the tomatoes in the charcoal grill first thing, then you can prepare your salad and refrigerate while you cook your sardines. I currently don’t have a barbecue, so after some experimenting, I came up with a recipe that doesn’t require one, but don’t worry you will still get the smoky flavour you would traditionally.
Salada de Tomate e Pimentos Assados Recipe
If you are doing your salad the traditional way, all you have to do is char your vegetables on a barbecue before proceeding to the following steps. You want the veg to soften a little but still keep its shape.
Alternatively, you can place your peppers over the stove burner, turning it every so often to make sure all sides are scorched. This of course takes longer than it would on a barbecue but it’s a great way to get the smoky flavour. For the tomatoes I decided to roast them for about 20 minutes at about 250°C with the grill function.
Next you rest your vegetables for 10 minutes in a bowl covered with cling film while they’re still hot. This will make it easier for you to peel them, and it also boosts the smokiness.
Remove the burnt skin of both the peppers and tomatoes. Slice your peppers, and cut your tomatoes into eights, discarding the seeds. Slice your raw onion as well.
Now the final step is to assemble the salad. In a big bowl, combine the grilled peppers and tomatoes, and the sliced onion. Season with the olive oil, vinegar, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
This salad is the perfect pairing for the traditional Portuguese grilled sardines. But it goes well with any type of fish or seafood dishes. And why not turn it into a more elaborate salad by adding some chickpeas and tuna?
Portuguese Grilled Tomato and Pepper Salad
4
servings10
minutes40
minutes122
kcalSalada de Tomate e Pimentos Assados is a traditional salad from the Algarve, made up of charcoal grilled peppers and tomatoes, onions, extra virgin olive oil, oregano and vinegar.
Ingredients
1 Large Green Pepper
4 Large Tomatoes
1 Medium Onion
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Oregano
Black Pepper to Taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 250°C with the grill function. Once it’s hot, place your whole tomatoes on a baking tray, roast them for about 20-30 minutes until the tomato skin is lightly charred and burst.
- In the meantime, place the whole pepper on top of the stove flame, you can use a small barbecue rack to make it easier or simply just place it on top of the burners. Make sure to turn every so often so it chars evenly.
- Once you’re done charring the pepper, transfer it to a bowl, then rest it for 10 minutes covered with cling film. Do the same with the tomatoes.
- Peel both the pepper and the tomatoes, then slice the peppers and cut the tomatoes into eights, discard the seeds. Slice the raw onion.
- Now it’s time to assemble the salad. Combine the sliced pepper, tomatoes and onion. Season it with the olive oil, vinegar, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!! I would love to hear from you.