I love this tomato salad because it’s fresh, simple, and full of bright flavors that remind me of sunny days. It’s one of those recipes that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours making it. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy how easy it is to make something so tasty.
Most of the ingredients for this tomato salad are easy to find in your kitchen or local store. If you don’t usually have red wine vinegar, it’s worth picking up because it adds a nice tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Fresh basil might not be in every home, but it’s a small bunch that really makes the salad special, so look for it in the produce section.

Ingredients For Tomato Salad Recipe
Tomatoes: The main ingredient, fresh and juicy tomatoes give the salad its bright and sweet flavor.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil brings richness and smoothness to the salad.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little spice and depth.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it gives a fresh, herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
Technique Tip for This Salad
When you’re working with a red onion for this tomato salad, slicing it thinly makes a big difference. Here’s a simple way to get those nice, even slices without tearing up your eyes too much:
- Peel off the outer skin of the onion.
- Cut the onion in half from top to bottom, so you have two halves with the root still attached.
- Place one half flat side down on the cutting board. This keeps it steady.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the onion thinly from one side to the other, moving carefully to keep the slices even.
Why does this help? Thin, even slices mean the onion mixes well with the juicy tomatoes and doesn’t overpower the salad. Plus, when the slices are thin, the vinegar and olive oil soak in better, giving you a balanced flavor in every bite.
I remember the first time I tried slicing a red onion for a salad, I cut the pieces too thick and the onion flavor was way too strong. After that, I practiced slicing thinner, and it made the whole salad taste fresher and lighter. Also, if your eyes start to sting, try chilling the onion in the fridge for a bit before slicing—it really helps calm down the sharpness.
So, next time you’re tossing together this tomato salad, take a little extra time with the onion slices. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how tasty and balanced your salad turns out!
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes offer a similar flavor profile and can add a bit of sweetness and visual appeal to the salad.
tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a smoky and sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to red onions, making them a good alternative.
red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder onion flavor and add a fresh, crisp texture to the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar texture and a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it a versatile substitute.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with tomatoes and basil.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and a slightly fruity undertone.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of color to the salad.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral profile.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle heat without altering the color of the salad.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness to the salad.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley offers a different but complementary herbaceous flavor to the salad.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint adds a refreshing and aromatic twist to the salad.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store / Freeze This Salad
- To store the tomato salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain the freshness of the tomatoes and red onion.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the tomatoes may become overly soft and the basil might lose its vibrant color.
- If you need to prepare the salad in advance, consider storing the dressing (olive oil and red wine vinegar) separately. Combine with the vegetables just before serving to keep the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
- For freezing, it’s best to avoid freezing the tomato salad as tomatoes and onions do not freeze well. They tend to lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.
- If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing in a small container. When ready to serve, simply thaw the dressing and mix it with freshly sliced tomatoes and onions.
- Always label your containers with the date to ensure you use the salad within the optimal time frame for the best taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
If you must reheat, consider using a microwave. Place the tomato salad in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method. Place the tomato salad in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Stir gently and heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.
For a more gourmet approach, try a quick sauté. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato salad and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the tomatoes are slightly warmed but not cooked.
If you prefer a cold option, simply let the tomato salad come to room temperature by leaving it out for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This method preserves the fresh flavors and textures.
For a unique twist, consider incorporating the leftover tomato salad into a warm dish. Add it to a freshly cooked pasta or grain bowl, allowing the residual heat from the pasta or grains to gently warm the salad.
Best Tools for Making This Salad
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the sliced tomatoes and red onion, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife for slicing the tomatoes and red onion thinly and uniformly.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely slice the tomatoes and red onion.
Measuring spoons: Tools to accurately measure the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Salad tongs: Used to gently toss the salad ingredients together without mashing the tomatoes.
Serving platter: A dish to present the finished tomato salad attractively.
Pepper mill: A device to freshly grind black pepper, enhancing the flavor of the salad.
Herb scissors: Specialized scissors for chopping fresh basil quickly and efficiently.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-slice ingredients: Slice the tomatoes and red onion in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can quickly and evenly slice the red onion.
Pre-mix dressing: Combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a jar and shake well. Store it in the fridge for quick use.
Batch prep: Prepare a larger batch of the salad and store it in an airtight container for multiple meals.
Fresh herbs: Chop the basil in advance and store it in a damp paper towel in the fridge.

Tomato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Tomatoes sliced
- 1 small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1 handful Fresh Basil chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes and red onion.
- 2. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- 3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 4. Toss gently to combine.
- 5. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Boudin Balls Recipe30 Minutes
- Air Fryer Pizza Recipe20 Minutes
- Smoked Pork Butt Recipe8 Hours 30 Minutes
- Pasta Fazool Recipe45 Minutes
- Hot Sauce with Jalapenos Recipe30 Minutes
- Takoyaki Sauce Recipe10 Minutes
- Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe15 Minutes
- Deli Style Roast Turkey Recipe2 Hours 15 Minutes
Leave a Reply