Introduction & Inspiration
When tomatoes are at their peak—juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor—there’s nothing better than letting them shine in a simple, fresh salad.
This Tomato Salad is all about celebrating the natural sweetness and beauty of ripe tomatoes, pairing them with fragrant herbs, a splash of vinegar, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
It’s my go-to recipe whenever I want a light, vibrant dish that feels effortless but tastes absolutely amazing.
Nostalgic Appeal
Growing up, fresh tomato salads were a staple at every summer meal, especially when the gardens overflowed with tomatoes of every shape and color.
There’s something so nostalgic about that juicy, tangy, herby combination—it brings me right back to long evenings on the porch, plates piled high with simple, beautiful food.
This version keeps that classic spirit alive, with just a few small tweaks to make the flavors pop even more.
Homemade Focus
What I love most about this salad is that it’s completely homemade and built around real, fresh ingredients.
No store-bought dressings, no fancy tricks—just tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, and a little love.
Taking just a few extra minutes to soak the onions and season everything properly makes a world of difference, turning a simple dish into something extraordinary.
Flavor Goal
The flavor goal here was to keep things as fresh and bright as possible.
The tomatoes provide sweetness and juiciness, the herbs bring a burst of fresh green flavor, and the olive oil and vinegar add richness and tang.
The soaked onions add a gentle bite without overwhelming the salad.
Every bite should feel refreshing, perfectly balanced, and full of late-summer goodness.
Ingredient Insights
Heirloom tomatoes are ideal for this salad because of their varied colors, shapes, and intense, sweet flavor.
Red onion, when soaked briefly in water, loses its harsh bite and becomes pleasantly mild and crisp.
A mix of fresh herbs—like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley—adds complexity and freshness, making every forkful a little different.
Extra-virgin olive oil brings a fruity richness, and red wine vinegar adds the perfect tang to brighten all the flavors.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are simple but essential to pull everything together.
Essential Equipment
A sharp knife is key for slicing the tomatoes cleanly without crushing them.
A small bowl is needed to soak the onions.
A large serving bowl gives you plenty of space to toss everything together gently without breaking up the tomatoes.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 small or ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1½ pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
- ¼ cup packed fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, or a combination), coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Onion
Place the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water.
Let it stand for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.
This softens the sharpness of the onion and makes it more delicate in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Core the tomatoes and slice them into ½-inch-thick half-moons.
Transfer the sliced tomatoes to a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Dressing
Add the chopped fresh herbs to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top.
Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Drain the onions well and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes and herbs.
Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to crush the tomatoes.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the salad stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release their delicious juices.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, vinegar, or oil as needed before serving.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
The tomatoes will release more juice over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
Make Ahead:
You can prep the onions and slice the tomatoes ahead of time.
Keep them separate and toss with the dressing just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Warm Up:
No reheating needed—this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Why is my salad watery?
Tomatoes naturally release juices when salted.
Letting the salad sit helps the flavors meld, but if it seems too watery, simply drain a little of the excess liquid before serving.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes all work beautifully.
Use what’s freshest and most flavorful.
What herbs work best?
Basil is classic, but cilantro, dill, and parsley each bring a unique twist.
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have.
Can I add extras?
Of course! Fresh mozzarella, avocado slices, or toasted pine nuts would all be delicious additions.
Tips and Variations
- Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a tangy, salty bite.
- Mix in a handful of arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
- Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic for a deeper, sweeter dressing.
- Add a few thin slices of cucumber for extra crunch.
- Use a flavored olive oil, like lemon or basil-infused, for another layer of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, or roasted chicken for a fresh, vibrant side.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up all those flavorful tomato juices.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of rosé or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
- Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a simple weeknight side.
Nutritional Information
This Tomato Salad is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
The tomatoes provide lycopene and vitamin C, while the olive oil brings heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
It’s a light, wholesome side dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Tomato Salad
Description
Make this fresh Tomato Salad with juicy heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette. A simple, vibrant dish perfect for summer meals, barbecues, and light dinners.
Ingredients
-
1 small or ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
-
1½ pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
-
¼ cup packed fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, or a combination), coarsely chopped
-
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Onion
Place the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water.
Let it stand for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.
This softens the sharpness of the onion and makes it more delicate in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Core the tomatoes and slice them into ½-inch-thick half-moons.
Transfer the sliced tomatoes to a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Dressing
Add the chopped fresh herbs to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top.
Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Drain the onions well and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes and herbs.
Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to crush the tomatoes.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the salad stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release their delicious juices.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, vinegar, or oil as needed before serving.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
The tomatoes will release more juice over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
Make Ahead:
You can prep the onions and slice the tomatoes ahead of time.
Keep them separate and toss with the dressing just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Warm Up:
No reheating needed—this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This Tomato Salad is a simple, fresh, and flavorful celebration of peak-season tomatoes.
Juicy tomatoes, mild red onions, fragrant herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette come together in a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s easy, versatile, and always a hit.
If you try different variations or have questions about the recipe, I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
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If you make this Tomato Salad, leave a comment and let me know how you loved it!
Save this recipe for your next summer meal or casual dinner and share it with a friend who loves simple, vibrant dishes.
Let’s keep creating fresh, delicious meals together!