Stacked Tomatoes With Tarragon Infused Oil

Submitted by Rita1652

"A beautiful beginning to any kick off a Dinner Party. Using gorgeous summer heirloom tomatoes. A mandolin is perfect to slice the vegetables in this but a good sharp knife will do the trick. Store bought Black Olive Tapenade is OK but is better home made so do take a look at recipes on zaar. Serve with a fresh loaf of crusty bread."

 

• Ready In: 22mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• Dressing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• spring tarragon, minced
• salt
• pepper
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon tapenade

• Salad

• 1⁄4 red onion, sliced 1/8 inch thick paper thin
• 4 ounces zucchini, sliced 1/8 inch thick
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick end removed
• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 ounce sharp white cheddar cheese or 1 ounce parmesan-romano cheese mix, shredded
• 4 sprigs fresh tarragon

directions

1. Heat oil and add garlic, tarragon bring to a sizzle and turn heat off. Let sit for 30 minutes.
2. Add pepper and vinegar.
3. In a container with a top, place the zucchini and onions pour the dressing over it. Marinade for 30 minutes.
4. Remove zucchini and onions placing on a plate.
5. To the marinade add the tapenade and give a shake.
6. On four serving plates start to layer.
7. By first placing the largest tomato, sprinkle of dressing, next layer avocado slices dividing all of the avocado on each of four plates.
8. Then place the next largest slice of tomato over the avocado drizzle with a touch of dressing.
9. Top each stack with the next largest tomato slice, then with zucchini slices to cover tomato.
10. Top with the next largest tomato and top with onion slices.
11. Finishing by topping the smallest of the tomato slices.
12. Garnish with cheese. The cheese can also go in between each layer if desired.
13. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the stacks.
14. Place one sprig of tarragon into each stack for a beautiful presentation.

Reviews

[KateL]

Made for Summer 2009 Category Crazee Salad Contest: IMHO, tarragon and tapenade do not mix well together, but it would taste great without the tapenade. Why list this as a 22-minute recipe and then require 60 minutes of marinating? My stack was difficult to eat gracefully as the tomato slices slid as I cut through them with a steak knife. I would forego the artsy presentation and enjoy the flavors (minus the tapenade).

 

[Sharon123]

Very creative and so delicious- and pretty too! I quartered the recipe and just loved it, thanks! And good luck!