Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly balances freshness and flavor. This vibrant salad is ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side to any meal. With ripe tomatoes, sweet red onions, aromatic basil, and a zesty garlic balsamic dressing, this salad not only offers visual appeal but also bursts with taste. Its simplicity makes it accessible for any cook, whether you’re a seasoned chef or trying your hand at salads for the first time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad takes just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes and sweet onions creates a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a light main course or as a side dish to complement any meal.
• Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh basil and ripe tomatoes ensures that you get the best flavors every time.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients, this salad is low in calories yet high in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Whisk: This tool is perfect for mixing dressings smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing vegetables.

Ingredients

Fresh, vibrant, and easy to prepare—this classic salad is bursting with flavor thanks to ripe tomatoes, sweet red onions, fragrant basil, and a tangy garlic balsamic dressing.

For the Salad

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced (¼ inch thick)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Gather all vegetables and seasonings needed for the salad.

Step 2: Slice Tomatoes & Onion

Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into rounds and cut the onion into thin slices.

Step 3: Tear Basil

Roughly tear the basil leaves by hand. This helps release their wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Combine Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the sliced tomatoes and onions until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add Basil

Sprinkle the torn basil over the tomato and onion mixture. Fold in gently to combine without bruising the ingredients.

Step 6: Make Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 7: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all components are coated evenly.

Step 8: Let It Marinate

Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps blend all flavors beautifully.

Step 9: Serve

Plate your Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad. Enjoy it as a light main dish or as a refreshing side!

How to Serve Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

This Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to complement your meals. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing summer salad.
• Pair it with crusty bread for a light lunch.

With Grilled Meats

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a vibrant contrast.
• The tangy dressing adds flavor that enhances the meat.

In Tacos or Wraps

• Use the salad as a filling in tacos or wraps for added crunch.
• It brings freshness and moisture to any wrap.

Over Quinoa or Rice

• Top cooked quinoa or rice with this salad for a nutritious boost.
• The flavors will meld beautifully with grains.

How to Perfect Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

Creating the perfect Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your salad shines.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Opt for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and quality olive oil elevate the taste of the salad.
• Slice evenly: Aim for uniform slices of tomatoes and onions for a more appealing presentation.
• Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes helps blend the flavors beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving; feel free to add more salt or pepper as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent side options.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Mixed seasonal veggies bring smoky flavors that complement the freshness of the salad.
2. Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
3. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers a satisfying starch that balances the crispness of the tomato onion mix.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty side dish that contrasts nicely with the salad’s freshness.
5. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with pita chips introduces different textures and tastes alongside your salad.
6. Cheese Platter: Add assorted cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a creamy element that pairs well with tomatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad is straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Using Unripe Tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes lack flavor and juiciness. Always choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Thick: If tomato slices are too thick, they may overwhelm the salad. Aim for ¼ inch thick slices for balance and ease of eating.
• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the salad to sit can lead to muted flavors. Marinating for 10–15 minutes enhances the taste by letting the ingredients mingle.
• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more if needed, ensuring each component is lightly coated.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh basil diminishes flavor. Fresh herbs add brightness; always use them when possible.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

• Not Recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to its high water content. Freezing will result in mushy vegetables upon thawing.

Reheating Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

• Oven: Place in a baking dish at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until slightly warmed. This method works best if you want to serve it warm but be cautious as it may lose its freshness.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds on low power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can change the texture significantly.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps retain some crunch while warming through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad?

This salad features fresh tomatoes and onions lightly dressed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a refreshing side dish perfect for summer meals.

How do I customize my Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad?

You can add ingredients like cucumbers, avocado, or feta cheese for added flavor and texture. Experimenting with different herbs like parsley or cilantro also enhances its profile.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While you can prep ingredients in advance, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

What dishes pair well with Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad?

This salad complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or pasta dishes beautifully. It adds a light touch to any meal.

Final Thoughts

The Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad is not only easy to prepare but also offers vibrant flavors that brighten any meal. Its versatility allows for many customization options based on your preferences—be it adding other vegetables or experimenting with various dressings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh burst of Mediterranean goodness!

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Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

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Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad is a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant ingredients. This salad combines juicy ripe tomatoes and sweet red onions, enhanced by aromatic basil and a tangy garlic balsamic dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side with dinner, it offers a burst of flavor that is both satisfying and nutritious. With minimal preparation time and easy-to-find ingredients, this salad is accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled meats for a delightful culinary experience.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep all vegetables and seasonings.
2. Slice tomatoes into rounds and onions into thin slices.
3. Tear basil leaves to release aroma.
4. In a large bowl, combine sliced tomatoes and onions.
5. Add torn basil and fold gently.
6. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
7. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
8. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. Allowing the salad to marinate helps the flavors meld beautifully. Feel free to customize by adding cucumbers or feta cheese.