Ensaladang Kamatis, or Filipino Tomato Salad, is a simple side dish made with ripe tomatoes, onions, and greens like watercress, tossed in a light soy sauce and vinegar dressing. It’s fresh, tangy, and pairs perfectly with grilled, fried, or hearty Filipino meals.
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Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- Tomatoes: I’m using grape and pear tomatoes, plus a Roma. You can really use any kind—just make sure they’re ripe and sweet for the best flavor. Cherry, heirloom, or whatever’s in season will all work.
- Watercress: I like using watercress for its peppery bite and freshness. If you don’t have it, try other greens or herbs like arugula, parsley, or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil because it’s healthier with a rich, fruity taste. Regular olive oil, canola, or any mild-tasting oil will work just fine too.
How to make this recipe
Step 2: Prep the vegetables
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion thinly (you can also chop it smaller if you prefer a milder bite).
Trim or roughly chop the watercress into shorter pieces for easier eating. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Toss with dressing
Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy your Ensaladang Kamatis (Filipino Tomato Salad) right away as a refreshing side dish.
Recipe FAQs
It’s best served fresh since the tomatoes and watercress can get soggy. If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving.
You can add cucumber, radish, or even salted egg for a more traditional Filipino touch. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro also go really well.
Cane vinegar is most common in Filipino cooking, but white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar will all work. Use what you have on hand.
What to serve it with
- Grilled meats and seafood: Pork liempo, chicken inasal, or inihaw na isda.
- Fried dishes: Pritong isda, crispy pata, or fried bangus.
- Hearty mains: Adobo, tapa, or lechon kawali.
- Rice meals and silogs: A simple plate of rice with fried egg, or any silog combo (like tapsilog, longsilog, or tosilog).
Other vegetable recipes you may like
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📖 Recipe
Ensaladang Kamatis (Filipino Tomato Salad)
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes (see note)
- 1 small red onion
- 1 bunch watercress (see note)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white or cane vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar more to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (see note)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, honey (or sugar), and olive oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion thinly (or chop smaller if you prefer). Trim or roughly chop the watercress into shorter pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve right away as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Use any kind you like—grape, pear, Roma, cherry, heirloom, or whatever’s in season. Just make sure they’re ripe and sweet so the salad tastes flavorful.
- Watercress: Adds a fresh, peppery bite. If you don’t have it, arugula, baby spinach, parsley, or cilantro make great substitutes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Healthier and adds a rich, fruity taste. You can also use regular olive oil, canola, or any mild-tasting oil.
Tin
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Tin
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Nora Reyes
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