Simple Tomato Salad
A refreshing and classic salad featuring juicy, ripe tomatoes tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette with fresh basil and thinly sliced red onion. The perfect light side dish for any summer meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the salad base
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut them into bite-sized wedges or chunks.
- Place the cut tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion in a medium serving bowl.
Make the vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
- Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined.
Combine and serve
- Pour the vinaigrette over the tomatoes and onions.
- Add the fresh basil and gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve fresh.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the best quality, in-season tomatoes you can find. The flavor of the salad depends on them.
- 2Letting the salad marinate for a few minutes at room temperature really enhances the flavor as the tomatoes release their juices.
- 3Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes before using them, as it can make their texture mealy and dull their flavor.
- 4If your red onion has a very sharp bite, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 5Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato juices and vinaigrette at the bottom of the bowl.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons and omit the sugar to lower the calorie and sugar content.
quickQuick
Use a good quality store-bought Italian vinaigrette instead of making your own to save time.
high proteinHigh protein
Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or some fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) to make it a more substantial salad.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use cherry tomatoes cut in half and omit the red onion for a milder flavor that kids might prefer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Provides a significant amount of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune system function and skin health.
Contains Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant, and vitamins C and K. The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It's a light, nutritious, and hydrating side dish.
