There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavors of summer, and this fresh Tomato and Onion Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette perfectly embodies the season. This refreshing, incredibly delicious, and effortlessly easy-to-make salad showcases the best of summer produce. It combines juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes, thinly sliced tangy red onions, and aromatic fresh basil, all lovingly drizzled with a rich and creamy Basil Balsamic Dressing. Prepare to elevate your summer dining experience with this simple yet elegant dish.
Jump to Section:
- What’s So Great About This Salad?
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Best Tomatoes for Salads
- How to Make the BEST Fresh Tomato Salad
- Pro Tips for Tomato Onion Salad
- Variations to Love
- How to Serve and Store Tomato Salad
- More Fresh Tomato Recipes
- 📖 Full Recipe Card
The Ultimate Summer Salad: Why You’ll Love This Tomato and Onion Creation
If you’re lucky enough to have thriving tomato plants in your garden, you know that tomato season is truly the most wonderful time of year. The joy of harvesting perfectly ripe, warm-from-the-sun tomatoes is unparalleled. But even if you’re not growing your own, a trip to your local farmers market is a must! This salad is the perfect excuse to gather the freshest, in-season ingredients, transforming a handful of simple components into something truly extraordinary.
Imagine: succulent, ripe tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness, a subtle kick from thinly sliced red onion, the fragrant zest of fresh basil, and a harmonizing, simple yet tangy homemade dressing. Together, these elements create a balsamic tomato salad that fulfills all your summer culinary dreams. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of seasonal bounty, bringing bright, clean flavors to your table with minimal effort.
This versatile Tomato and Onion Salad can be served as a delightful accompaniment to a wide array of main dishes. Its fresh profile beautifully complements plant-based meals such as Tofu Satay, hearty Black Bean Burgers, or crispy Baked Falafel Balls. Its simplicity ensures it never overwhelms the main course, instead offering a refreshing contrast.
Are you on the hunt for more refreshing and vibrant salad recipes to brighten up your summer menu? Look no further! Explore my popular Nectarine Salad for a sweet and savory twist, the effortless Simple Arugula Salad with Avocado for a quick and healthy option, my flavorful Gluten-Free Tabbouleh for a grain-free delight, or the unique Summer Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing for an Asian-inspired crunch. Each recipe is designed to bring fresh, seasonal goodness to your table.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions for Your Salad
Creating an exceptional salad starts with high-quality ingredients. This Tomato and Onion Salad relies on a few core components that truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need and some flexible substitutions to suit your pantry and preferences:
- Tomatoes: The star of the show! You can use any combination of small varieties like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or pear tomatoes for a beautiful mix of shapes and sizes. If you have large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces. The key is ripeness and freshness, so opt for local and in-season tomatoes whenever possible.
- Red Onion: Provides a lovely crunch and a pungent, tangy bite that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the tomatoes. For a milder flavor, you can soak the thinly sliced red onion in ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. If red onion isn’t available, green onions (scallions), spring onions, or even delicate shallots can be wonderful alternatives, offering a gentler allium flavor.
- Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb is indispensable in a classic tomato salad, imparting a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty flavor that screams summer. Fresh herbs truly elevate this dish. If basil isn’t on hand, consider other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, flat-leaf parsley, or cilantro for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Avoid dried basil for this recipe; its flavor is too subdued.
- Balsamic Dressing: Our creamy balsamic dressing is what ties all the flavors together. It’s a simple yet sophisticated blend of quality balsamic vinegar, robust extra virgin olive oil, a touch of sweetness from a Medjool date, a hint of tang from mustard, pungent fresh garlic, and balanced with salt and black pepper. Blending these ingredients creates a tangy, sweet, and incredibly flavorful dressing that enhances the natural freshness of the tomatoes without overpowering them. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and far superior to store-bought options.
Selecting the Perfect Tomatoes for Your Salad
The secret to an unforgettable tomato salad lies squarely in the quality of your tomatoes. The best tomatoes for salads are always fresh, perfectly ripe, and — crucially — kept at room temperature. Refrigerating tomatoes dulls their flavor and ruins their texture, so always store them on the counter! If you haven’t had the pleasure of growing your own, make it a point to seek out tomatoes from a local farmer’s market. Failing that, look for locally grown options at your favorite grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of some top contenders:
- Heirloom Tomatoes: These magnificent varieties come in a stunning array of colors, from deep reds and vibrant pinks to sunny oranges and golden yellows. Prized for their unique, often irregular shapes and rich, complex flavors, heirloom tomatoes are typically lower in acid, with a meaty and wonderfully sweet flesh, making them absolutely perfect for salads. Each bite offers a burst of nuanced flavor that grocery store varieties simply can’t match.
- Beefsteak Tomatoes: Known for their impressive size and robust nature, beefsteak tomatoes are typically deep red, incredibly meaty, and wonderfully juicy. They offer a rich, classic tomato flavor that stands up beautifully in a salad. Slice them thick to appreciate their substantial texture.
- Plum Tomatoes (Roma & San Marzano): These elongated tomatoes strike a fantastic balance between sweet and savory. They are particularly known for their lower moisture content and firm flesh, which makes them ideal for salads as they won’t make your dish watery. Roma tomatoes are a common and excellent choice, while the Italian strains like San Marzano are considered the gold standard for their intense flavor and sweetness – either would be a superb option for this salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Small, round, and intensely sweet, cherry tomatoes are delightful pops of flavor. They come in various colors including red, orange, and yellow. My personal favorite is the ‘Sungold’ variety – these deep yellow, slightly firm gems are mostly sweet with just a hint of tang, adding a gorgeous color and irresistible taste to any salad.
- Grape Tomatoes: Similar to cherry tomatoes but typically oval-shaped, grape tomatoes are sweet and firm, making them very easy to slice in half for salads. They are most commonly found in vibrant red.
- Pear Tomatoes: Quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets in the tomato world, pear tomatoes are small yellow heirlooms shaped like miniature pears. They are incredibly sweet with a delicate, slightly citrusy flavor that is truly unique and delicious. If you can find them at a specialty market or grow them yourself, they are a definite must-try!
- Cocktail Tomatoes (also known as Campari): Roughly the size of a golf ball, these are hybrids often grown in greenhouses and available year-round. While convenient in the off-season, their flavor usually pales in comparison to true seasonal tomatoes. In my honest opinion, they are only worth considering in the dead of winter when fresh, local options are scarce. For this salad, always prioritize open-field, seasonal tomatoes.
Crafting the BEST Fresh Tomato and Onion Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible fresh tomato salad is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant dish to life:
- Prepare the Balsamic Dressing: First and foremost, you’ll want to prepare the creamy Basil Balsamic Dressing. You’ll need high-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, fragrant basil, a touch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and one Medjool date for natural sweetness and body. Combine all these ingredients and puree them with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Once blended, set the dressing aside. Specific measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Slice the Basil: Gather your fresh basil leaves. Stack them neatly on top of each other, then roll them lengthwise into a tight cylinder. Using a sharp chef’s knife, thinly slice across the rolled leaves to create beautiful, delicate julienne strips (also known as chiffonade). This technique not only looks elegant but also helps release the basil’s aromatic oils, ensuring every bite is infused with its fresh flavor. Set aside. Remember, fresh basil provides an incomparable flavor punch that dried basil simply cannot offer.
- Prepare the Red Onion: Take a small red onion, peel off its outer layer, and cut it in half through the root end. Place the flat side down on your cutting board and make very thin slices. The thinner the slices, the more delicate the onion flavor will be, and it will integrate more smoothly into the salad. If you prefer a milder onion taste, you can soak these thin slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain them thoroughly before adding to the salad. Set aside with the sliced basil.
- Chop the Tomatoes: The next step is to prepare your tomatoes. The goal is to have all tomato pieces be roughly similar in size for even distribution and ease of eating. Smaller tomatoes, such as cherry, grape, or pear varieties, can simply be halved through their core. For larger tomatoes, cube them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t be afraid to use a delightful variety of tomatoes for a stunning visual and flavor experience!
- Assemble and Dress the Salad: Grab a large mixing bowl or a beautiful serving platter. Gently layer the prepared tomatoes, fresh basil, and thinly sliced red onions. The layering helps to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing and Serve: Pour about ¼ cup of the prepared creamy balsamic dressing over the layered ingredients.
- Toss and Adjust: Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and every piece is lightly coated with the luscious dressing. Taste the salad for seasoning. This is your chance to personalize it! Add more salt and pepper to enhance the flavors, or drizzle in a little more dressing if you prefer a richer coating. Serve immediately at room temperature for the absolute best taste and texture.
Debra’s Pro Tips for the Best Tomato and Onion Salad
Unlock the full potential of your Tomato and Onion Salad with these insider tips:
- Transforming Leftovers into a Delicious Sauce: Don’t let any leftover salad go to waste! This is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. The combination of seasoned tomatoes, onions, and basil, especially after marinating in the dressing, develops a wonderful depth of flavor. Simply pour any remaining salad into a small saucepan and heat gently over low to medium heat. If you enjoy a rustic, chunky sauce, serve it as is. Alternatively, for a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the saucepan. This versatile sauce tastes phenomenal spooned over zucchini noodles, roasted eggplant, or even as a flavorful spread on crusty bread slices for a simple appetizer. It also makes a fantastic pizza sauce or can be used as a base in my Zucchini Rollatini Recipe.
- A Dairy-Free Caprese Delight: If you’re craving a caprese salad but need a dairy-free option, this fresh tomato salad recipe is your perfect base! Instead of traditional fresh mozzarella, simply add generous slices of ripe, creamy avocado. The avocado provides a rich, buttery texture that beautifully complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil, creating a unique and equally satisfying Caprese-inspired experience.
- Storing and Reusing the Dressing: This recipe for Basil Balsamic Dressing makes about 1 cup, but the salad only requires ¼ cup. This is great news, as you’ll have extra! Store any remaining dressing in a small, airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. This dressing is incredibly versatile and absolutely fabulous on any simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade for tofu or chicken.
Exciting Variations: Customize Your Tomato and Onion Salad
While this Tomato and Onion Salad is perfect in its classic form, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Get creative with these delicious variations:
- Tomato Basil Pasta Salad: Transform this fresh salad into a hearty main course by simply adding your favorite pasta! After preparing the tomatoes, onions, and basil as directed, cook and cool your preferred pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli). Toss the pasta with the tomato mixture and an extra drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a bit more dressing to ensure everything is well coated. This makes a fantastic potluck dish or a light summer lunch.
- Super Easy Tomato Basil Salad (A Minimalist Approach): For those days when simplicity is key, you can make an even quicker version. Chop your tomatoes, onions, and basil as instructed. Instead of the creamy balsamic vinaigrette, simply sprinkle everything with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, then drizzle with a good quality balsamic vinegar and just a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently and enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavors of summer.
- Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad: Elevate your summer salad game with the addition of fresh corn and creamy avocados. Cut fresh corn kernels directly off the cob (no need to cook, raw corn is delightfully sweet and crunchy in salads!). Add creamy, diced avocados to the mix, creating a vibrant, texturally rich salad that makes tomato season just even better! The sweetness of the corn and the richness of the avocado pair beautifully with the tangy tomatoes.
- Tomato Cucumber Basil Salad: For an added layer of crispness and hydration, incorporate chopped Persian or English cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into thick diagonal pieces for visual appeal and toss them with the rest of the ingredients. This cucumber tomato salad becomes wonderfully crisp and crunchy, offering a refreshing contrast in texture.
- Bruschetta Salad: Turn your salad into a deconstructed bruschetta experience! Toast up some crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta works well) until golden and slightly crisp. Rip the toasted bread into rustic, bite-sized pieces. Toss these bread pieces generously with the tomato and onion salad, allowing them to soak up some of the delicious dressing and tomato juices. Finish with an additional sprinkle of fresh basil for an appetizer or light meal that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors.
Serving and Storing Your Fresh Tomato Salad
To ensure you enjoy every last bite of this delightful salad, here are the best practices for serving and storage:
- Serve: For optimal flavor and texture, always serve this fresh tomato salad at room temperature. Chilling tomatoes dulls their natural sweetness and makes them mealy. Allowing the salad to sit for 15-20 minutes after dressing lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Store: If you have any leftovers, transfer this fresh tomato salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. While it remains edible, its peak freshness and flavor are best enjoyed within the first couple of days. The tomatoes tend to soften and release more liquid over time.
- Freeze: Absolutely not! Freezing this salad is highly discouraged. The fresh ingredients, especially the delicate tomatoes and basil, will lose their vibrant flavor and firm texture when thawed, resulting in a soggy, tasteless pile of mush. Do yourself a favor and avoid freezing. Instead, if you find yourself with an abundance of leftovers, refer to my “Pro Tips” section above for a fantastic idea on how to transform it into a delicious, warm sauce that freezes beautifully.
More Irresistible Fresh Tomato Recipes
If you’re as passionate about fresh tomatoes as I am, you’ll love these other recipes that celebrate the humble, delicious tomato:
- Fresh Chunky Tomato Salsa RecipePerfect for dipping, this vibrant salsa is bursting with garden-fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of spice.
- Vegan Stuffed TomatoesElegant and flavorful, these stuffed tomatoes are a wholesome meal in themselves, filled with savory goodness.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Fresh HerbsSweet and concentrated, roasted cherry tomatoes make an excellent side dish or pasta topping, enhanced with aromatic herbs.
- Easy Grilled Ratatouille Salad RecipeEnjoy the classic flavors of ratatouille with a smoky twist in this easy grilled salad, perfect for outdoor dining.
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📖 Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
Tomato and Onion Salad
Author: Debra Klein
Summary: Nothing beats chopped fresh tomatoes with red onion and fresh basil… oh, well maybe when you toss it with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Yup… then you have summer’s finest in all its regalia. This simple yet sophisticated salad is a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Chef’s knife
- Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes (any combination of small, bite-sized pieces)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- ¼ cup Basil Balsamic Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy Basil Balsamic Dressing according to the instructions in the notes below or use your favorite store-bought version. Set aside.
- If using large tomatoes, chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Smaller varieties like cherry, grape, or sungold pear-shaped tomatoes can simply be halved through the core.
- Stack the fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into elegant julienne strips (chiffonade) for maximum flavor release and visual appeal.
- Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- Combine the prepared tomatoes, basil, and red onion in a large serving bowl or on a platter. Pour approximately ¼ cup of the creamy dressing over the ingredients.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, black pepper, or additional dressing as desired. Serve immediately at room temperature for the best possible taste experience.
Notes
For Homemade Basil Balsamic Dressing:
To prepare about 1 cup of this exquisite dressing, combine and puree the following ingredients with a food processor or an immersion blender until smooth and creamy:
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Medjool date (pitted, for natural sweetness and body)
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
This dressing recipe yields approximately 1 cup, providing more than enough for this tomato salad and allowing you to save the remainder for other delicious uses. For comprehensive details and additional tips on preparing the dressing, please refer to the dedicated post: Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette.
The nutritional information provided has been calculated using online tools and should be considered an estimate. For the most accurate representation of the nutritional values in any given recipe, it is recommended that you calculate the information based on the specific ingredients you use. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.