Onion and Tomato Salad
A bright, tangy salad of crisp onions and juicy tomatoes tossed with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. This simple side comes together in minutes and adds a refreshing crunch to any meal, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or curries.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables.
1.Cut tomatoes into wedges or thin slices.2.Halve onion and thinly slice into half-moons.3.Halve cucumber lengthwise and slice crosswise.TIPChill the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharp bite. - mix
Toss the salad.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber. Add fresh cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- rest · ~5 min
Let the flavors meld.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 minutes so the tomatoes release their juices and the flavors come together.
TIPDon't let it sit longer than 15 minutes or the vegetables will lose their crunch. - serve
Toss again and serve.
Toss the salad one more time, then transfer to a serving bowl. Spoon any collected juices over the top and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill the sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness and add crunch.
- 2Use ripe but firm tomatoes so the wedges hold their shape without getting mushy.
- 3Toss gently with your hands to avoid crushing the tomato wedges.
- 4Let the salad rest exactly 5 minutes — longer than 15 minutes will make vegetables soggy.
- 5For extra brightness, add a pinch of sugar to balance the lemon juice if tomatoes are overly tart.
- 6Make ahead: prep all vegetables up to 2 hours ahead, but add lemon juice and salt just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace cilantro with fresh mint or parsley for a different aromatic profile — mint pairs excellently with grilled lamb, parsley with Mediterranean meals.
Spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a finely chopped serrano or jalapeño pepper for heat; this works well if serving alongside tacos or spicy curries.
Creamy twistCreamy twist
Fold in 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta or diced avocado for richness that transforms the salad into a more substantial side.
No cilantro versionNo-cilantro version
Substitute fresh dill or chives for cilantro — ideal for those who dislike cilantro's flavor or for a more European-style salad.
Onion swapOnion swap
Use sweet Vidalia or white onion instead of red onion for a milder, sweeter onion flavor that's especially good in summer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Tomatoes and lemon juice both provide vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron.
Low in Calories
This oil-free salad is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a light, hydrating addition to any meal.
High in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a top source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, while red onions add quercetin.
Hydrating Vegetables
Cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content, aiding hydration and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the vegetables up to 2 hours ahead, but wait to add lemon juice and salt until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
