Description
A fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make Tomato Salad featuring ripe summer tomatoes, fresh basil, a tangy vinaigrette, and optional creamy cheese. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad highlights natural flavors with minimal prep and endless customization options.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, or grape) – about 4 cups, mixed varieties, sliced or halved
- Fresh basil leaves – 1/2 cup, roughly torn
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
Optional Additions
- Fresh mozzarella – 1/2 cup, small balls or chopped (optional)
- Feta cheese – 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice larger tomatoes into wedges and halve smaller cherry or grape tomatoes to create bite-sized pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Slice the Red Onion Thinly: Peel and slice the red onion as thinly as possible. For a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to balance acidity and taste.
- Combine Ingredients and Toss: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the prepared tomatoes, red onion slices, and basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the salad and carefully mix to coat all pieces without bruising the tomatoes.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If using, add mozzarella balls or crumbled feta on top or gently fold into the salad. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
- Lightly dress the salad to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures; avoid making too far ahead.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust the balsamic vinegar or lemon juice carefully to complement, not overpower, the tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg