Sliced Tomatoes with Salt & Pepper

Sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper are one of the easiest fresh side dishes you can make. Juicy, ripe tomatoes are sliced and simply seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This quick recipe takes only a few minutes and pairs beautifully with breakfast, sandwiches, grilled meats, salads, or almost any main course.

🥗 Ingredients

3 large ripe tomatoes
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
Fresh parsley or basil, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Wash the tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry.
Slice: Remove the stem ends. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into rounds about ¼-inch thick.
Arrange: Place the tomato slices on a serving plate, slightly overlapping them if desired.
Season: Sprinkle evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Add olive oil: For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tomatoes.
Garnish: Add fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately while the tomatoes are fresh and juicy.

💡 Tips for the Best Tomato Slices

Use ripe but firm tomatoes so they hold their shape.
Freshly ground black pepper gives better flavor than pre-ground pepper.
Salt the tomatoes shortly before serving to prevent them from becoming overly watery.
For a stronger flavor, add a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
A small splash of balsamic vinegar can turn this simple side into a delicious salad.