Crispy, golden fried okra meets juicy heirloom tomatoes and peppery arugula in this fresh, Southern-inspired salad. Tossed with a creamy Herbed Buttermilk Dressing, this Fried Okra and Tomato Salad delivers the perfect balance of crunchy, cool, and tangy flavors. It’s a great way to showcase peak-season produce and makes a standout side or light main dish for summer gatherings.
Fried Okra and Tomato Salad
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain yellow cornmeal
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Canola oil, for frying
- 12 ounces fresh okra pods, trimmed and halved lengthwise
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- Herbed Buttermilk Dressing (recipe follows)
- Garnish: fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, place 1 cup flour. In a large shallow dish, stir together cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, and remaining 1 cup flour. In another large shallow dish, stir together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- In a large deep skillet, pour oil to fill halfway, and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°.
- Working in batches, dredge okra in flour, stirring to coat; shake off excess. Dredge in buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
- Working in batches, carefully add okra to hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to maintain 350°.) Remove okra from oil using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels. Season to taste with salt.
- On a large serving platter, arrange tomatoes; top with arugula and fried okra. Serve with Herbed Buttermilk Dressing. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Herbed Buttermilk Dressing
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients
- ¼ cup whole buttermilk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
