Chef Andrea Reusing combines her focus on local foods with her predilection for Asian flavors. In the tangy vinaigrette here, ume plum vinegar (available in the Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores) adds a lovely, salty edge that's delicious with tomatoes. A clever sauce made with toasted sesame seeds and miso gives the salad a nutty richness. More Tomato Recipes
How to Make It
In a small skillet, toast the sesame seeds over moderate heat until golden, about 3 minutes; transfer the seeds to a spice grinder and let cool. Finely grind the seeds and transfer them to a bowl. Whisk in the mayonnaise, miso and dry sake, then whisk in the water.
In a large bowl, whisk the ume vinegar with the lemon juice, sesame oil and mirin. Gradually whisk in the canola oil and season with salt. Add the tomato wedges and sliced scallions and toss. Spoon the tomato salad with its juices onto a large platter and drizzle with the sesame-miso sauce. Garnish the salad with the crumbled nori and serve immediately.