Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing Tomato and Onion Salad is a vibrant combination of fresh tomatoes, sharp red onion, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Perfect as a light side or accompaniment to your favorite protein, it brings bright, tangy flavors to your table with ease.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds tomatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (or 1 shallot)
• 1 ½ tablespoons capers, drained
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil (or substitute with dill, cilantro, or parsley)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the tomato dressing by roughly chopping the small tomato. Combine it with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, basil, capers, and salt in a blender or mason jar. Blend until smooth. Keep the seeds in the tomato for extra flavor, but remove the cores.
2. Step 2: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
3. Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine the wedge-cut tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, capers, and fresh herbs.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if desired.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with crusty bread, alongside your favorite protein, or tossed with pasta for a light meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful and flavorful salad.
• Substitute fresh basil with dill, cilantro, or parsley to change the flavor profile.
• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced cucumbers or radishes.
• If you prefer a smoother dressing, strain it after blending to remove any seeds or solids.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. Leftovers can be reheated slightly if serving alongside warm dishes, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vinegar in the dressing?

Yes, white wine or champagne vinegar works best for a light, bright flavor. You can also use apple cider vinegar, but it will give a slightly different taste.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

Keep the dressing separate until just before serving and use ripe but firm tomatoes. Gently toss the salad to keep the texture crisp and fresh.

Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Tomato and Onion Salad features fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, capers, and aromatic herbs tossed in a tangy homemade tomato dressing. The dressing blends fresh tomatoes with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, creating a flavorful and refreshing salad perfect as a side or paired with crusty bread, proteins, or pasta.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds tomatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (or 1 shallot)
• 1 ½ tablespoons capers, drained
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil (or substitute with dill, cilantro, or parsley)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing. Roughly chop the small tomato and remove the cores while leaving the seeds to retain flavor. Add the chopped tomato, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt into a mason jar or blender container.
2. Blend the Dressing. Use a hand blender or regular blender to blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well emulsified.
3. Adjust Dressing Seasoning. Taste the dressing and add additional salt if desired to balance the flavors.
4. Assemble the Salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the tomato wedges, thinly sliced red onion, drained capers, and fresh basil or chosen herbs.
5. Add Dressing and Toss. Pour the prepared tomato dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing.
6. Final Seasoning and Serve. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve the salad fresh alongside crusty bread, your favorite protein, or pasta for a delicious accompaniment.

Notes

• Leaving the tomato seeds in the dressing adds natural flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted based on preference (dill, cilantro, or parsley work well).
• For a milder onion taste, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor in the dressing.
• This salad is best served fresh to enjoy bright, vibrant flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Tomato Salad, Onion Salad, Tomato Dressing, Fresh Herbs, Mediterranean Salad, Healthy Salad