Your New Secret Weapon
Add this recipe into your arsenal of secret weapons for entertaining. It’s simple to modify it to be inclusive to any dietary plan which is great for a crowd!
Everyone should have at least one recipe in their arsenal that is their secret weapon when it comes to entertaining. Easy to prepare, full of flavor and something that everyone will love! This Balsamic Tomato Dip recipe the perfect “secret weapon” recipes! It’s something you can bring to any occasion, under any circumstances, and it somehow everyone loves it. And with a few tweaks, you can make it into something spectacular for any occasion or guest.
It's one of those dips that is great no matter the season. Be it poolside in the middle of summer, with soggy tortilla chips in hand, or cozied up in front of the fire in the winter, it somehow seamlessly fits into every scenario.
This recipe is just so versatile, not only in the season and atmosphere it can be served, but also how it’s presented. It can easily fit in anywhere on your menu – from a starter for guests to munch on while the mains are being prepared to the perfect side dish along with your favorite protein – like chicken or tilapia. What about if you have a friend coming over who eats a vegan diet, but most of what you were planning to serve is meat based? Enter the Balsamic Tomato Dip – also known as “the secret weapon.”
If you are only looking to serve an appetizer for guests, it can simply remain in dip form, presented in a large bowl with tortilla chips on the side. If you are looking to jazz up a fish fillet, burger, or steak, consider serving it on top of the dish for your guests, or placing it on the table as a condiment and allowing your guests to use as much or as little as they choose as they assemble their plates. The ingredients will add variety of fresh textures and the flavor combination of the balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and cilantro will take your tastebuds on an exciting roller coaster ride that no burger or fish fillet could do solo! This would also be delicious with some shredded chicken tossed in.
When it comes to your vegan or vegetarian guests, this dip is plant-based and relatively nutritionally complete on its own so it could pass as a main without any doctoring. However, if you have someone who will be eating this as their main meal, feel free to “beef” it up (sorry vegans!) by adding some more substance. Perhaps that looks like a protein boost from some cubed tofu, or some more variety in texture by adding spinach or croutons.
If you need to alter this dish because of an allergy, aversion, or dietary restriction – it’s perfectly ok. That is what makes it special and unique to you. How you choose to adapt this recipe is really based on what you like and how you will be serving it.
The star ingredient in this dish are the Pure Flavor® Juno® Bites Red Grape Tomatoes. These small bursts of candy-like sweetness are the natural boost your family needs throughout the day. Great also as a snack, they offer a pop of juicy flavor that can’t be beat!
If you are following this recipe to a tee, you’ll notice how the ingredients play off each other just right, providing a variety of textures and flavors. The black beans, chickpeas, corn, and tomatoes act as the base and are the primary substance of the dip. Always make sure to drain and rinse the beans & chickpeas well so there’s no unwanted liquid in the bowl. As an added tip, if you use frozen white corn kernels, keep them frozen! By the time you add everything to the bowl and serve it, they’ll be fully thawed and will keep the other ingredients chilled in the meantime – it’s a win-win!
The red onion, cilantro, and avocado are the surprise elements that really pack the flavor and texture in the dip without being too in-your-face. Cube and add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown or mushy. The hidden game changers would be the fresh lime juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. These ingredients are what really bring the whole dip together. They will have your guests continuously coming back for more and asking what is that, and why is it so good? Please remember to taste as you go and adjust the flavors to your liking. Don’t be afraid to double the lime juice or omit the corn. This is now your “secret recipe” too!
This Balsamic Tomato Dip is versatile, flavorful, and best served with good company. Hopefully this recipe will fall into your rotation of secret weapons too. Enjoy! - Pure Flavor® Caeli-Rose White
