Tomato Salad With Dates

By Yotam Ottolenghi

Updated July 29, 2025

  • Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Prop stylist: Sophia Eleni Pappas.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
25 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(257)
Comments
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A simple yet striking dish, this tomato salad manages to make peak-season tomatoes taste even more special. It’s all about bold contrasts: Sweet dates and caramelized cherry tomatoes meet the deep umami of fish sauce in a very quick skillet sauce, mingling to form a fragrant dressing that soaks into layers of thickly sliced fresh tomatoes, while fresh lime and basil bring balance and fragrance. The key is patience, as you’ve got to let the sauce cool before dressing the sliced tomatoes so their fresh texture isn’t disturbed, then wait a moment before eating so the flavors meld without losing their vibrancy. 

Featured in: The Secret to a Great Tomato Salad Is in Your Pantry

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 cup/4 ounces cherry tomatoes

  • 2 dates, pits removed, thinly sliced crosswise

  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • 1 pound large heirloom tomatoes, very thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons small basil leaves

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

17 grams carbs; 129 calories; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 7 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 361 milligrams sodium; 2 grams protein; 13 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add the oil, cherry tomatoes and dates to a medium skillet and fry over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the tomatoes have started to soften and the dates are lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add the garlic, fish sauce, sugar and 1 tablespoon water, and stir for 30 seconds, until the sauce has reduced to a caramel consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice, then transfer to a bowl to cool in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Place the sliced tomatoes on a serving platter, and top with the cooled tomato and date mixture. Sprinkle with the basil leaves and serve right away.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
257 user ratings
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Comments

Sara

There is vegan fish sauce available in stores. You could also likely use soy, tamari, miso, or something similar. Personally, I might sprinkle in some of Trader Joe's mushroom powder.

Captain O

I get it, it's all about the fish sauce. But what's an appropriate umami sub suitable for vegetarians or fish allergic people? (This recipe is a good reminder to those and others that vegetable dishes don't always mean vegetarian. The number of vegetable soups that start with chicken stock is astounding.)

HK

Does the recipe call for fresh dates? If so, are dried dates suitable substitutes?

Ariel

I doubled the sauce, put sliced tomatoes directly on top of freshly cooked spaghetti, and poured the sauce over all. Wonderful late summer dinner.

Kristin

We swapped the fish sauce for miso and added crispy fried halloumi on top for a light but filling summer dinner. Was amazing

Susan from Luxembourg

Awesome! I doubled the sauce and the dates and added the zest from the lime. Will mqke qgqin and again.

kz

@Susan from Luxembourg I second this recommendation - I wish I had doubled the sauce

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