Tomato Salad
A refreshing and simple salad with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side for any summer meal and ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the vegetables
- b.In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- c.Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk again until the dressing is well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and serve
- b.Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables in the large bowl.
- c.Add the chopped fresh basil.
- d.Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- e.For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a less sharp onion flavor, soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 2Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find, as they are the star of the dish.
- 3Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve to keep the cucumber crisp.
- 4This salad is best enjoyed the day it's made, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To reduce fat, decrease the olive oil to 2 tablespoons. The flavor will be tangier but still delicious.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a protein boost.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought Italian or red wine vinaigrette to save time on making the dressing from scratch.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder onion like a sweet Vidalia onion and cut the cucumber into fun shapes to make it more appealing for kids.
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.
Hydrating
Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps you stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this tomato salad is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables, and contains healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil.