Origins of Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad

The Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad (Ensalada de tomate con jamón) has strong roots in Spanish cuisine, particularly as part of the country’s tradition of simple, ingredient-forward dishes that highlight regional produce and cured meats.

Likely Origin: Andalusia or Broader Southern Spain

This type of tomato salad closely resembles variations of “ensalada andaluza” (Andalusian salad), where ripe tomatoes, cured ham (like jamón serrano or jamón ibérico), and raw onions are common ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Spain grows many tomato varieties, and they are a staple in its cuisine.
• Jamón: Cured ham like jamón serrano or jamón ibérico is a national treasure.
• Onion: Often sliced thinly and added raw, providing sharpness.
• Olive oil & vinegar: Typically drizzled over as a dressing.
• Capers: An optional addition, capers add a little crunch and lovely tang to this recipe

What ham to use

For Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón, the best ham to use is Jamón Serrano or Jamón Ibérico. Both are Traditional Spanish options and provide plenty of saltiness and flavor. We used Jamón Ibérico for this recipe, and it turned out wonderfully. 

These are the most authentic choices for this Spanish salad:

• Jamón Serrano: Dry-cured Spanish ham with a slightly salty, deep flavor. It’s more affordable and widely available than jamón ibérico.
• Jamón Ibérico: A premium, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth ham made from Iberian pigs. Use this if you want a luxurious, authentic touch.

🛒 Alternatives if Spanish ham isn’t available:

• Prosciutto (Italy): A great substitute with a similar texture and saltiness to jamón serrano.
• Speck: A smoked, dry-cured ham from Northern Italy. It adds a smoky twist.
• Country ham (USA): Very salty and intense; best used in small amounts and sliced thin.

Tips:

• Slice the ham very thinly, ideally shaved or torn by hand.
• Serve it at room temperature to bring out its full flavor.
• Avoid cooked or deli-style ham—it lacks the depth and texture of cured varieties.

Best tomatoes to use

This is a classic summer recipe, and it’s best to use whatever ripe and juicy tomatoes you can find locally. The key is they should be very ripe (but not mushy) and loaded with juice and flavor. 

Here are a few good options:

🍅 Heirloom or Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

These varieties offer the rich flavor, juiciness, and vibrant color that make this salad shine.

Top Choices:

• Heirloom Tomatoes: Deeply flavorful, sweet, and often irregularly shaped—perfect for a rustic Spanish salad.
• Campari Tomatoes: Small, round, and juicy with balanced sweetness and acidity.
• Beefsteak Tomatoes: Large and meaty; ideal if you want thick slices.
• Roma (Plum) Tomatoes: Less juicy but rich in flavor; great if you want a firmer texture.
• Tomate Rosa (Spain): If you’re in Spain or near a specialty grocer, look for these—large, pinkish, very sweet, and low in acidity.

Giant Capers – Alcaparones

Giant capers, also known as caper berries, make a great addition to this salad as they offer a sweet, slightly bitter tang with just a little crunch. Giant capers are widely used in salads in Spain and are readily available in most supermarkets. 

Outside of Spain, any decent Mediterranean food store should stock them, and they are also available online. If you can’t source giant capers, normal capers will also work well for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón (per serving)

🔍 Breakdown of Key Ingredients (per serving):

• Jamón Serrano (50g): High in protein and sodium, moderate in fat (especially saturated).
• Tomatoes (1 large): Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, A, and potassium.
• White Onion (¼): Adds minor carbs and fiber, plus antioxidant compounds.
• Caper Berries (1 Tbsp): High in sodium, but flavorful and low in calories.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Sherry Vinegar: Negligible calories, adds tang and depth.

More Spanish Tapas Recipes:

• White Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Fennel
• Spanish Garlic Shrimp with Manchego Cheese and Rosemary
• Pan-Fried Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chili
• Gambas al Pil Pil Garlic Prawns with Chili
• Seafood Pipirrana Salad
• Chicken Meatballs with Almond Sauce
• Mushrooms Stuffed with Chorizo

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