How to make Salada de Tomate à Algarvia

Why cooks start here

Salada de Tomate à Algarvia is cooked the way the Algarve cooks it — good olive oil used without counting, salt judged by hand, and no fuss about the plate. This is the home version, written down the way a Portuguese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Salada de Tomate à Algarvia is a quintessential dish from the sun-drenched Algarve region of Portugal. Traditionally enjoyed during the warm summer months, it captures the essence of the region with its reliance on fresh, local produce. This recipe stays true to its roots, reflecting the way it's been prepared in Portuguese homes for generations — with a generous splash of quality olive oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt, both added with an instinctive hand. This salad combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with crisp green pepper and sweet onion, enhanced by briny black olives and fragrant oregano, all brought together with a gentle tang from red wine vinegar for a refreshing side dish.