When the heat of summer rolls in, nothing satisfies quite like a crisp and refreshing salad. This Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe is a timeless favorite — quick to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect as a side dish or light meal. With just a few ingredients, this vibrant salad celebrates simplicity and lets the natural taste of ripe tomatoes shine.
Ingredients
To prepare this classic Tomato and Red Onion Salad, you’ll need the following fresh and pantry staples:
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4 medium ripe tomatoes, preferably vine-ripened or heirloom, sliced or wedged
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter finish)
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
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A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn (optional for garnish)
Kitchen Tools Required
This salad is beautifully simple and doesn’t require any advanced kitchen equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Medium mixing bowl
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Salad tongs or two large spoons for tossing
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Serving plate or bowl
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Prepare the vegetables
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into medium-thick rounds or wedges, depending on your preferred presentation. Peel the red onion and slice it into very thin rings or half-moons. To reduce the onion’s pungency, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2: Combine the ingredients
Place the sliced tomatoes and onions in a medium mixing bowl. If you’re using basil, add the torn leaves now for a burst of herbal freshness.
3: Dress the salad
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and oregano if desired. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs, making sure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly without mashing the tomatoes.
4: Let it rest (optional but recommended)
For the best flavor, let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the juices to meld and intensify, creating a natural vinaigrette in the bowl.
5: Serve and enjoy
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a few extra basil leaves. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if preparing in advance.
Helpful Tips for Making and Serving
1. Use the best tomatoes you can find
The key to a truly delicious Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe is ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Summer or farmer’s market tomatoes are ideal, but cherry tomatoes or Roma varieties can also work well.
2. Slice onions thinly
Red onions can be sharp and spicy. Thin slicing helps them integrate better into the salad and prevents them from overpowering the dish.
3. Mellow the onions
Soaking red onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes makes them milder and crisper — a great tip if you’re serving the salad to guests with sensitive palates.
4. Customize to your taste
You can easily add extras like crumbled feta, olives, or even sliced cucumbers for more texture and flavor. It’s a wonderfully flexible base recipe.
5. Serve with crusty bread or grilled protein
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or a chunk of rustic bread to soak up the delicious dressing. It’s also a great accompaniment to pasta or as part of a picnic spread.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
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Calories: 110 kcal
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Total Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 1.2g
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Cholesterol: 0mg
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Sodium: 310mg
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Carbohydrates: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
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Protein: 1.5g
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Vitamin C: 22% DV
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Vitamin A: 20% DV
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Potassium: 350mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact size of tomatoes and onions used.)
Why You’ll Love This Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe
This Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe is proof that less is more. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no cooking involved, it delivers bold, fresh flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, prepping a light lunch, or simply craving something crisp and healthy, this salad is a perfect choice.
It’s vegan, gluten-free, low in calories, and rich in antioxidants like lycopene and quercetin — making it not only delicious but also a smart nutritional choice.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re wondering what to do with a batch of ripe tomatoes, remember this easy Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, looks stunning on the table, and offers a satisfying balance of sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature — either way, your taste buds will thank you.
