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    Home » Salads

    Tomato Salad

    Published: Jul 26, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Tomato salad is an easy and delicious recipe to enjoy fresh and ripe tomatoes.

    We combine the tomatoes with thinly sliced onion and basil, then season them with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make a summer salad with tomatoes that's tasty, refreshing, nourishing, and the perfect side dish to most meals.

    tomato salad
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Questions
    • More Fresh Tomato Recipes
    • More Salad Recipes
    • Recipe

    Check out our best vegan salad recipe collection!

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

    Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful tomato juices for a simple light lunch or as a side dish.

    We will share two favorite ways of making an incredible tomato salad recipe.

    One is chopped mixed tomatoes combined with thinly sliced red onion and fresh basil seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

    When making it, we encourage you to mix different tomato varieties. Each variety will contribute with its bright colors, shape, texture, and unique taste, making your salad special.

    The other is a marinated tomato salad which is popular in Italy. We make this one with larger tomatoes such as beefsteak tomatoes.

    First, we cut them into slices, season them with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cover them with thinly sliced red onion, grated carrot, chopped celery, and plenty of basil.

    We then leave the salad to marinate for 15 minutes. The flavor of carrot, celery, and onion meld together with the tomatoes, making one of the best tomato salads you'll ever eat.

    Italian tomato salad

    Ingredients

    Tomatoes

    mixed tomato varieties

    The taste of your tomato salad will be strongly affected by the quality of your tomatoes.

    Cheap, pale, watery tomatoes that have never been kissed by the sun won't taste of anything. However, 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. You'll find more varieties than in the supermarket, and the tomatoes will be much more beautiful and tasty.

    The tomatoes should be ripe but still firm and NOT overly ripe. Pick tomatoes of different varieties, textures, and colors. Also, it's super important that the tomatoes are at room temperature to appreciate their taste fully.

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

    But suppose you don't have access to a farmer's market. In that case, you can still make a fresh tomato salad with more common tomato varieties such as cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes.

    Red onion

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

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

    Olive oil

    We recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil. You will taste the oil in this tomato salad since we use it raw, so having a good oil with a fruity flavor and rich body will make a huge difference.

    Vinegar

    We think balsamic vinegar is the best type of vinegar to go with tomatoes because it's sweeter and less acidic than other vinegar.

    If you don't have balsamico, try red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, and apple cider 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, you can add other suitable fresh herbs: finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, dill, chives, fresh oregano, and mint; but basil is much better.

    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, olives, feta cheese, chopped lettuce, fresh mozzarella balls, 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 and carrot, and more.

    mixed tomato salad recipe

    Instructions

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

    finley chopped onion

    Soak the onion in cold water for about 10 minutes if you want a milder onion 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 using a serrated knife or a paring knife with a serrated edge to cut tomatoes. This way, it'll be easier to slice through them without squishing them.

    chopped tomatoes

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

    ingredients in a mixing bowl

    Mix 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

    You can serve this tomato salad in smaller portions, with toasted bread, as a starter. Almost like a bruschetta with tomatoes. Pair it with our homemade crostini with olive tapenade. It's delicious!

    You can also enjoy it with a slice of freshly baked sourdough bread for a quick and healthy lunch. Dip the crusty bread in the tomato juices. So good! Try crumbling some of our homemade vegan ricotta on it.

    It adds healthy plant-based protein to keep you full through the day, and it's still light and fresh.

    Finally, you can serve it as a side dish to one of our delicious and easy dinners.

    Variations

    Marinated Italian Tomato Salad

    This is our favorite way of making a tomato salad. 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.

    sliced beefsteak tomatoes

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

    seasoned beefsteak tomatoes

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

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

    Italian tomato salad with onion, celery, and carrot.

    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.

    tomato and lettuce salad

    Avocado and Tomato Salad

    Creamy avocado and fresh tomatoes meld perfectly together in a delicious creamy summer salad. Check out our avocado salad recipe.

    Avocado Salad in a white bowl

    Cucumber and Tomato Salad

    Crunchy cucumber and sweet tomatoes are a perfect match. Check out our cucumber tomato salad recipe.

    tomato salad with cucumber

    Storage

    Tomatoes seasoned in salt and vinegar will lose their water and crunch after a few hours, so this recipe is best eaten within a couple of hours.

    However, if you have some salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

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

    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?

    What can I do with fresh tomatoes?

    1) Tomato Cucumber Salad
    2) Italian Salad
    3) Bruschetta with Tomatoes
    4) Quick Pasta with Tomatoes and Mushrooms
    5) Moroccan Eggplant Tomato Salad (Zaalouk)
    6) Italian Sautéed Eggplant

    More Fresh Tomato Recipes

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

    • Bruschetta on white plate
      Tomato Bruschetta
    • tomato confit
      Tomato Confit
    • stuffed eggplants
      Stuffed Eggplant
    • vegan mushroom pasta
      Vegan Mushroom Pasta

    More Salad Recipes

    Salads are perfect as a side, appetizer, or as a light meal. Pick your favorite salads and add plant-based protein such as fried tofu or roasted chickpeas for a complete meal:

    • 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
      Chickpea Salad
    • Tofu Salad with dressing
      Tofu Salad
    • Fennel salad in a bowl
      Fennel and Orange Salad

    For more salad ideas, check out our 25 best vegan salads.

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

    Recipe

    tomato salad served on a platter with crusty bread

    Tomato Salad

    Author: Nico
    Tomato salad is an easy and delicious recipe to enjoy fresh and ripe tomatoes.
    We combine the tomatoes with thinly sliced onion and basil, then season them with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make a summer salad with tomatoes that's tasty, refreshing, nourishing, and the perfect side dish to most meals.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 3 votes
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side dish
    Cuisine American Italian, Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 130 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    FOR SIMPLE TOMATO SALAD

    • 1½ pound tomatoes pick 2 or 3 varieties from cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes, vine tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes
    • ½ red onion
    • 2 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves

    FOR ITALIAN TOMATO SALAD

    • 3 medium beefsteak tomatoes
    • 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ medium red onion
    • 1 medium carrot
    • 1 stalk celery

    Instructions
     

    SIMPLE TOMATO SALAD

    • Finely chop the red onion as thinly as possible, then separate the onion layers by pinching them with your fingers.
      finley chopped onion
    • Soak the onion in cold water for about 10 minutes if you want a milder onion 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 using a serrated knife or a paring knife with a serrated edge to cut tomatoes. This way, it'll be easier to slice through them without squishing them.
      chopped tomatoes
    • To a large bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion (taken out of the water and drained), chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
      ingredients in a mixing bowl
    • Mix 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

    MARINATED ITALIAN TOMATO SALAD

    • With a paring knife, 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.
      sliced beefsteak tomatoes
    • Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
      seasoned beefsteak tomatoes
    • Add finely chopped onion, celery, grated carrot, and basil. Add another tiny drizzle of oil, a small pinch of salt, and pepper.
      Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving it with fresh crusty bread to soak up all the tomatoes' juices.
      Italian tomato salad with onion, celery, and carrot.

    Notes

    If you like bolder flavors, you can dress this tomato salad with our Italian Dressing.

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Tomato Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 130 Calories from Fat 99
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 11g17%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 8g
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Potassium 436mg12%
    Carbohydrates 8g3%
    Dietary Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 5g6%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 1577IU32%
    Vitamin B6 0.2mg10%
    Vitamin C 25mg30%
    Vitamin E 2mg13%
    Vitamin K 33µg31%
    Calcium 27mg3%
    Folate 30µg8%
    Iron 1mg6%
    Manganese 0.3mg15%
    Magnesium 22mg6%
    Zinc 0.3mg2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

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

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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