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    Home » Salads

    Tomato Salad

    Published: Aug 19, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    Tomato salad is a refreshing and juicy recipe to savor the sweet, tangy, and earthy flavor of ripe tomatoes.

    Our recipe is seasoned with fresh basil, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar; it's excellent as a starter, side, or light main dish.

    Tomato salad recipe on a white platter
    On this page:
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to make tomato salad
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Questions
    • More Tomato Recipes
    • More Salad Recipes
    • Recipe

    Tomato and onion salad is refreshing, easy to put together, and perfect to cool you down during the scorching summer months.

    Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices; it's perfect for a simple light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.

    We encourage you to mix different tomato varieties to play with colors, shapes, and texture.

    For more inspiration, check out the "variations" chapter below, where we show you more ideas for creative and delicious tomato salads.

    Italian tomato salad
    Marinated tomato salad variation with chopped celery, grated carrot, and thinly sliced red onion.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Tomato salad ingredients

    Find the complete recipe with ingredients and instructions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

    Tomatoes

    The tomatoes should be ripe but still firm and not overly ripe.

    Pick tomatoes of different varieties, textures, and colors. Also, the tomatoes must be at room temperature to appreciate their taste.

    Meaty and colorful tomatoes grown in the summer season will make all the difference.

    So, if you have a farmer's market nearby, you could try to get your fresh tomatoes there. Your fresh garden tomatoes would also be excellent.

    You'll find more varieties than in the supermarket, and the tomatoes will be much more beautiful and tasty.

    If you don't have access to a farmer's market, choose more common tomato varieties such as cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes.

    Our local farmer Luca brought us many delicious tomato varieties, including Heirloom tomatoes, Japanese Black Trifele, Gold Dust, Black Krim, Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Yellow Cherry, Roma Tomato, Yellow Pear Tomatoes, Beefsteak Tomatoes, and more.

    mixed tomato varieties

    Red onion

    Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, almost spicy flavor to the salad, perfectly complementing the sweet and slightly acidic tomato flavor.

    Our favorite red onion is Tropea onion due to its mild and sweet flavor.

    If a raw red onion is too sharp, try soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.

    Alternatively, substitute shallot for onion.

    Olive oil

    We recommend using good quality extra virgin olive oil.

    Vinegar

    We like our tomato salad with balsamic vinegar because it's sweeter and less acidic than most vinegar.

    If you don't have balsamico, try red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or champagne vinegar.

    We don't recommend using lemon juice; we find it too acidic in this simple salad.

    There's no need to make a vinaigrette for this recipe by mixing oil and vinegar in a small bowl beforehand.

    Basil

    Fresh basil leaves and tomatoes are a match made in heaven. They are a staple combination in Italian cuisine, and for a good reason.

    Basil has a round, sweet, mellow aroma that melds perfectly with the sweetness and freshness of the tomatoes.

    If you don't have basil, add other suitable fresh herbs: finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, dill, chives, fresh oregano, and mint.

    Salt and Pepper

    Tomatoes need salt. Good, tasty sea salt or kosher salt brings out their flavor, making them super palatable.

    Also, freshly ground black pepper adds the perfect spice and aroma to this tomato summer salad.

    Other ingredients

    Chopped celery, grated carrots, diced cucumber, avocado, kalamata olives, corn, feta cheese, chopped lettuce, fresh mozzarella balls, burrata, and crushed garlic clove are simple ingredients that you can easily add to this salad to make it even tastier.

    Check out our "variations" chapter below to see how we do a delicious Italian marinated tomato salad with celery, carrot, and more.

    mixed tomato salad recipe

    How to make tomato salad

    Find the complete recipe with ingredients and instructions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

    Finely chop the red onion, then separate the onion layers by pinching them with your fingers.

    finley chopped onion

    Soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder flavor. In the meantime, chop the tomatoes.

    soaking the onion in cold water

    Chop the tomatoes into bite-size pieces.

    Cut small round tomatoes in half, long and narrow tomatoes in discs or wedges, and larger round tomatoes into wedges.

    We recommend cutting tomatoes with a serrated knife or a paring knife with a serrated edge. This way, slicing through them without squishing them will be easier.

    chopped tomatoes

    Add the chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion (take out of the water), chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to a large bowl.

    ingredients in a mixing bowl

    Toss well with two spoons, and set aside 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve in the same bowl or on a serving platter, with some slices of crusty sourdough bread on the side.

    mixed tomato salad recipe

    Serving suggestions

    As a side dish

    You can serve tomato salad as a side dish with an easy dinner. We highly recommend it as a side with pasta, pizza, risotto, and soups.

    As an appetizer or light meal

    You can serve this tomato salad in smaller portions with toasted bread. Almost like a bruschetta with tomatoes. Pair it with:

    • Homemade crostini with olive tapenade (bread, olive oil, salt, pepper.)
    • Focaccia bread (instant dry yeast, flour, sugar, water, rosemary, etc.)
    • Naan bread or pita bread (flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, water, etc.)
    • Homemade croutons (bread, olive oil, salt, pepper, etc.)
    • Flatbread pizza (flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, tomatoes, fresh herbs, etc.)
    • focaccia with rosemary
      Focaccia
    • crostini
      Crostini Recipe
    • Pita bread with tahini
      Pita Bread
    • homemade naan bread
      Naan Bread

    Variations

    Marinated Italian Tomato Salad

    Italian tomato salad with onion, celery, and carrot.

    You'll need beefsteak tomatoes plus celery and carrots.

    First, remove the stem of the beefsteak tomatoes, then slice them into ⅓-inch slices (about 0.8 cm). Arrange the slices on a single layer, without overlapping, onto a serving plate.

    Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

    Add finely chopped onion, celery, grated carrot, and basil. Add another tiny oil drizzle, a small salt pinch, and pepper.

    Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving it with fresh crusty bread to soak up all the tomatoes' juices.

    Panzanella

    panzanella salad in a serving bowl

    Panzanella is an Italian tomato and bread salad in which the bread is soaked in water and mixed with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.

    It's the best recipe for the summer as it's refreshing, satisfying, and delicious.

    Check out our Panzanella recipe.

    Tomato and Lettuce Salad

    tomato and lettuce salad

    Want a tomato salad that is even fresher and crunchier? Then try adding chopped romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce to the tomato mix.

    You can also add chopped cucumber, a grated carrot, and a chopped celery stalk. The seasoning is the same with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

    Avocado and Tomato Salad

    Avocado Salad in a white bowl

    Creamy avocado and fresh tomatoes meld perfectly in a delicious creamy summer salad.

    Check out our avocado salad recipe.

    Cucumber and Tomato Salad

    tomato salad with cucumber

    Crunchy cucumber and sweet tomatoes are a perfect match.

    Check out our cucumber tomato salad recipe.

    Storage

    Make ahead: this recipe is best when made 30 minutes to 3 hours ahead. The tomatoes seasoned in salt and vinegar will lose their water and crunch after a few hours, so keep that in mind.

    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

    Take it out of the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving it. Tomatoes taste best at room temperature.

    arugula and cucumber salad

    Questions

    What is a tomato salad made of?

    A simple tomato salad is made of fresh tomatoes, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves.

    What can I put on raw tomatoes?

    Raw tomatoes are delicious with extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil leaves, grated carrot, chopped celery, and optionally fresh mozzarella cheese.

    What does tomato taste good with?

    Tomato tastes good with extra virgin olive oil, salt, crusty bread, garlic, cucumber, and most kinds of lettuce.

    What can I do with fresh tomatoes?

    1) Stuffed tomatoes
    2) Cherry tomato pasta
    3) Bruschetta with Tomatoes
    4) Tomato risotto
    5) Tomato galette
    6) Italian Sautéed Eggplant
    7) Quick Pasta with Tomatoes and Mushrooms
    8) Italian Salad
    9) Moroccan Eggplant Tomato Salad (Zaalouk)
    10) Tomato Cucumber Salad

    More Tomato Recipes

    If you enjoy cooking with fresh tomatoes, take a peek at these wholesome and vibrant recipes using cherry tomatoes:

    • Bruschetta (fresh tomatoes, bread, balsamic vinegar, basil, olive oil, etc.)
    • Tomato confit (cherry tomatoes, sugar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, etc.)
    • Easy tomato galette (pie crust, ricotta, cherry tomatoes, lemon, oregano, etc.)
    • Stuffed tomatoes (rice, spinach, chickpeas, cumin, vegetable broth, garlic, etc.)
    • Cherry tomato pasta (pasta, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, red pepper flakes, etc.)
    • Bruschetta with fresh basil
      Bruschetta
    • tomato confit
      Tomato Confit
    • stuffed eggplants
      Stuffed Eggplant
    • vegan mushroom pasta with fettuccine pasta
      Vegan Mushroom Pasta

    More Salad Recipes

    Pick your favorite salads and add plant-based protein such as fried tofu, air fryer tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a complete meal:

    • Rice salad
    • Zucchini salad
    • Chickpea salad
    • Tofu salad
    • simple side salad
      Side Salad
    • Italian Salad
      Italian Salad
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • zucchini salad
      Zucchini Salad
    • chickpea pasta salad
      Chickpea Pasta Salad
    • chickpea salad with a fork
      Chickpea Salad
    • Tofu Salad with dressing
      Tofu Salad
    • Fennel salad in a bowl
      Fennel and Orange Salad

    For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.

    Recipe

    Tomato salad recipe with basil leaves

    Tomato Salad

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    Tomato salad is a refreshing and juicy recipe to savor the sweet, tangy, and earthy flavor of ripe tomatoes.
    Our recipe is seasoned with fresh basil, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar; it's excellent as a starter, side, or light main dish.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 4 votes
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Side dish
    Cuisine American Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 102 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1½ pound tomatoes pick 2 or 3 varieties (cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes, vine tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes)
    • ½ red onion thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or more to taste
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
    Keep screen on

    Instructions
     

    • Finely chop ½ red onion and separate its layers by pinching them.
      finley chopped onion
    • For a milder onion flavor, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes.
      soaking the onion in cold water
    • Chop 1½ pound tomatoes into bite-size pieces.
      chopped tomatoes
    • To a large bowl, add tomatoes, onion, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 handful fresh basil leaves.
      ingredients in a mixing bowl
    • Toss well and set aside 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
      Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve with crusty bread.
      mixed tomato salad recipe

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 serving of tomato salad out of 4.
    STORAGE
    Make ahead: this recipe is best when made 30 minutes to 3 hours ahead. The tomatoes seasoned in salt and vinegar will lose their water and crunch after a few hours, so keep that in mind.
    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
    Take it out of the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving it. Tomatoes taste best at room temperature.
    ALSO ON THIS PAGE
    • Substitutions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Questions
    • More Tomato Recipes
    • More Salad Recipes

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Tomato Salad
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    102
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    7
    g
    11
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    0
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    431
    mg
    12
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    9
    g
    3
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1444
    IU
    29
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.2
    mg
    10
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    24
    mg
    29
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    2
    mg
    13
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    20
    µg
    19
    %
    Calcium
     
    23
    mg
    2
    %
    Folate
     
    28
    µg
    7
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    Manganese
     
    0.2
    mg
    10
    %
    Magnesium
     
    21
    mg
    5
    %
    Zinc
     
    0.3
    mg
    2
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked this tomato salad, you might also like:

    • Zucchini recipes for weeknight dinners
      20 Easy Zucchini Recipes
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      25 Easy Sauce Recipes
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      30 Raw Vegan Recipes
    • Lazy Sunday Dinners with toast, pasta and easy sauces
      30 Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas

    « 25 Lemon Recipes (dinners & desserts)
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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

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      Lentil Curry
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      Rice Salad
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      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
      Black Bean Salad

    Seasonal

    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
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