Tomato, Potato, Onion Salad

Serves 4-6

This dish was eaten while the midwife assisted in my birth at my home in Roccarainola, Italy, in 1940, and I have eaten it every summer and fall since. The dressing, made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano, elevates the flavors of the three basic ingredients.

Ingredients

•6-8 medium to large tomatoes —any garden variety will work

•6-8 medium potatoes — any variety

•2 medium or one large onion — any sweet variety

•1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon dried oregano (depending on your taste)

•1/2 cup red wine Vinegar

•1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

•Salt

To Make the Dressing

Combine 1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar, 1/3 cup Olive Oil, and Oregano to taste (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon - we like oregano, so we use a lot.)

Salt to taste (approx. 1/2 teaspoon)

Directions

Boil the potatoes until barely fork tender, then chill immediately in an ice bath. You do not want to overcook them. Slice the potatoes into rounds.

Cut your tomatoes into wedges.

Slice your onions (julienne style)

Toss tomatoes, potatoes, and onions in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss again—the juices from the tomatoes will become part of the dressing. 

You can serve this salad immediately or put it in the refrigerator and let the flavors meld for a few hours before serving. It’s even better this way!

Notes: 

You can make this salad based on what you are harvesting from your garden. If you don’t have potatoes, make it with just the tomatoes and onions. If tomatoes are not in season, make it with potatoes and onions. Also, you can use any variety of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. This salad is so versatile. One thing to note is that the oregano is the principal seasoning in this dish. Don’t add basil (use for decorative purposes only on top); you don’t want anything to compete with your oregano. You may need to adjust the amount based on the type of oregano you use. 

To plan ahead, you can boil your potatoes in the evening and refrigerate them when they have cooled. You can then pull them out and assemble your salad quickly and easily the next day. 

Lastly, this salad will not have the same flavor made with store-bought tomatoes. If you must use store-bought, purchase Romas, tomatoes on the vine, or even make it with sweet cherry or grape tomatoes.