September 18, 2024
Review RecipeTomato and Onion Salad
This simple tomato and onion salad is a tomato lovers dream. Made from ripe tomatoes and crunchy onions tossed in a tangy salad dressing, it's quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
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Table of Contents
- Tomato and Onion Salad Ingredients
- Substitutions and Additions For Onion and Tomato Salad
- How To Make This Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
- Troubleshooting
- How To Serve Tomato Red Onion Salad
- How To Store Tomato and Onion Salad
- Why This Tomato and Onion Salad Is The Best
- Tomato and Onion Salad Frequently Asked Questions
- More Summery Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish, our tomato and onion salad is just what you need. This recipe brings together juicy vine-ripe tomatoes and crisp red onions, dressed with a simple yet vibrant mix of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Our tomato and onion salad recipe uses clear instructions and practical tips, so you’ll find this refreshing side dish straightforward and enjoyable to prepare. Our team’s extensive experience in cooking and recipe development ensures that every detail is considered, making your cooking experience as smooth as possible.
With over ten years of culinary expertise, we understand what makes a salad recipe both delicious and dependable. You can trust Spaceships and Laser Beams to guide you through creating this tomato and onion salad, knowing that each step is crafted with care and precision to guarantee great results every time.
Tomato and Onion Salad Ingredients
You’ll love the fresh and vibrant flavors of our simple tomato salad recipe. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a perfect addition to any meal, with a burst of taste that everyone will enjoy.
You’ll need:
- 3 cups cubed vine ripe tomatoes: From 4 medium-sized tomatoes (approximately 2 ½ inches wide) cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion, ⅛-¼ inch thick half moon slices
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, Chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons
- 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Substitutions and Additions For Onion and Tomato Salad
If you’re looking to customize our tomato & onion salad, there are several substitutions and additions you can make to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.
Vine Ripe Tomatoes: You can use heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes for a slightly sweeter taste. Smaller tomatoes can be used as well, just cut them in half. Campari tomatoes are another excellent substitute and can typically be found year-round.
Red Onion: Swap with sweet onion for a milder flavor. If you prefer a stronger taste, yellow onions can be used.
Fresh Basil: Substitute with fresh parsley or cilantro for a different taste. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but use sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality regular olive oil can be used, or try avocado oil for a different but still rich taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: White balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar provide sweeter alternatives, while apple cider vinegar offers a tangy option. Both can change the overall taste of the dressing.
Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute, or try fresh oregano for a more vibrant flavor.
Additions:
- Fresh Mozzarella chunks
- Feta cheese
- Sea salt flakes
- Sliced cucumber
- Diced avocado
- Red pepper flakes
- Toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds
- Bell pepper
How To Make This Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
Creating our easy tomato and onion salad is a straightforward process that yields a vibrant and tasty side dish. With minimal preparation and fresh ingredients, you can whip up this salad quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy days or relaxed gatherings. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.
STEP ONE: Add the cubed tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped basil to a large bowl.
PRO TIP: Use a sharp knife to cleanly slice the tomatoes and onions. This helps maintain the structure of the tomatoes, preventing them from becoming mushy.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper with a whisk until fully incorporated to make your dressing.
PRO TIP: Make sure to emulsify the dressing thoroughly by whisking vigorously. You can also use an immersion blender if you prefer. This ensures that the oil and vinegar blend together well, coating every piece of tomato and onion evenly.
STEP THREE: Pour the previously mixed dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing. This mixing is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together.
STEP FOUR: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tomato onion salad for 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
STEP FIVE: After the chilling time, transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Garnish it with additional chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
Troubleshooting
Here are some additional Pro Tips to help you make the perfect salad:
- Tomato Seeds: If you prefer a less watery salad, consider removing the seeds from the tomatoes, especially if you use large tomatoes, before cutting them into cubes. This helps reduce excess liquid.
- Onion Soak: To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. Drain and pat dry before mixing.
- Dressing Application: When applying the dressing, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. This allows you to control the flavor intensity and prevents overdressing.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the salad before chilling to check the seasoning balance. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary, keeping in mind that flavors will meld and intensify as the salad chills.
How To Serve Tomato Red Onion Salad
Our tomato and onion salad is a versatile dish that can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it as a side or incorporating it into a larger meal, this salad is sure to be a hit with its fresh, vibrant flavors.
Here are some creative and practical ways to serve this delightful salad.
As a Side Dish: Serve the tomato and onion salad alongside a main course like chicken, steak, or fish. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of grilled dishes, making it a perfect accompaniment.
With Pasta: Toss the salad with cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta salad. Or, serve it along with a simple pasta dish like cacio e pepe.
On a Sandwich: Use the salad as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
In a Grain Bowl: Create a healthy grain bowl by serving the tomato and onion salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
With Bread: Pair the salad with crusty bread or some garlic toast. The bread soaks up the delicious dressing, making every bite flavorful.
As a Topping: Top your favorite bruschetta or crostini with the tomato and onion salad for a delightful appetizer. The combination of the crispy bread and the juicy salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Make a Larger Salad Mix: Combine this salad with mixed greens for a more substantial meal. Adding some ripe avocado or olives can provide additional layers of flavor.
This salad is a classic barbecue side dish, and will pair well with everything from burgers to ribs. It also tastes wonderful with baked salmon or shrimp.
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How To Store
Tomato and Onion Salad
Storing your tomato and onion salad properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy leftovers or prepare in advance for an event.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the tomato and onion salad a few hours ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld. If you plan to make it a day ahead, add the salt just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much liquid.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 48 hours. However, the tomatoes may release more juice over time, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving again.
IN THE FREEZER: This tomato and onion salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well.
Why This Tomato and Onion Salad Is The Best
Our tomato and onion salad has become a favorite dish for many reasons. Here are the reasons why this salad stands out:
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can whip up this salad in no time.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes and crisp onions creates a refreshing and vibrant taste.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a topping, or even mixed into other meals, this salad fits any menu.
Nutritious: Packed with tasty ingredients like fresh vegetables and a light dressing, it’s a nutritious side dish option.
Tomato and Onion Salad Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of tomatoes in this salad?
Yes, you can use any kind of tomatoes you want. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or Campari tomatoes are good options.
How thin should I slice the red onion?
Slice the red onion into ⅛ to ¼ inch thick half-moon slices for the best texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before serving?
Yes, chilling the salad for at least one hour helps the flavors meld together.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Sure, you can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh basil gives a brighter flavor. If using dried, use less since it’s more concentrated.
How long can the salad sit out at room temperature?
It’s best to keep the salad out for no more than two hours to maintain freshness and food safety.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
This tomato and onion salad is a fresh and easy recipe that brings together juicy tomatoes and crisp onions in a tasty, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal!
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- Southwest Salad
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Tomato and Onion Salad
This simple tomato and onion salad is a tomato lovers dream. Made from ripe tomatoes and crunchy onions tossed in a tangy salad dressing, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed vine ripe tomatoes, from 4 medium-sized tomatoes cut into 1-inch pieces (approximately 2 ½ inches wide)
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion, ⅛ to ¼ inch thick half moon slices
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- To a large bowl add the cubed tomatoes, red onion slices, and chopped fresh basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetables and gently toss to coat all the tomatoes and onions with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tomato and onion salad for one hour to allow all the ingredients to marinate and combine.
- Once the salad has chilled, and is ready to serve, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped fresh basil.
Notes
- Tomato Seeds: If you prefer a less watery salad, consider removing the seeds from the tomatoes, especially if you use large tomatoes, before cutting them into cubes. This helps reduce excess liquid.
- Onion Soak: To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. Drain and pat dry before mixing.
- Dressing Application: When applying the dressing, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. This allows you to control the flavor intensity and prevents overdressing.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the salad before chilling to check the seasoning balance. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary, keeping in mind that flavors will meld and intensify as the salad chills.
Nutrition
Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 963IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
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