Grandpa's Tomato Salad · Family Food Love

This salad tastes like summer. Juicy, sweet, tangy, savory, spicy, creamy, tomatoey summer. My Dad would always make it with garden-fresh tomatoes, and everyone wanted in on that flavor party. In fact, I always thought my Dad invented the recipe, until I later learned that it was my Grandpa Bullough who deserved some of the the credit for passing this food tradition along. Grandpa was known for his love of mayonnaise, and drenching everything in it was his idea of a great no-cook meal. In this case, a little mayo, ranch dressing, and parmesan cheese go a long way in making this a standout salad. It’s great as a lunch, light dinner, or shareable side dish. During one of my pregnancies, this salad (with sliced cucumbers added) was the only thing I wanted to eat for months. So I did. Every day. It was amazing.

My Grandpa, Robert Brent Bullough, passed away last summer, and I’ve found myself thinking about and missing him a lot this year, especially at family events where his absence leaves a huge gaping void of a missing Grandpa bear hug and hello. He was the kindest person, loved sharing stories, and always put family first.

*My grandparents, Robert Brent Bullough and Linda Beck Bullough*

Be sure to use the best, ripest tomatoes you can get your hands on for this recipe. I used a mix from my garden, and the variety was delicious, but use what you have. This recipe never disappoints. Also, as written, this recipe serves one, or 2-3 as a side, but it can easily be scaled to serve more if you want to make a large platter to share.

Grandpa’s Tomato Salad

1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced, or a mix of small and sliced large tomatoes

Salt and fresh ground pepper, adjust to taste

1-2 Tbsp ranch dressing (I use Hidden Valley, but go with your favorite)

1-2 Tbsp mayonnaise (use good quality mayo)

2 tsp parmesan cheese (okay, I may or may not have used the kind in the green container here. Don’t judge.)

Chopped fresh basil, optional

Arrange tomatoes on a plate. Sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Drizzle or spread ranch dressing and mayonnaise evenly over the tomatoes, then sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. Add fresh basil, if using.

Sit down, close your eyes, and inhale the aroma of summer. Enjoy!