Lightly seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh basil, this Mediterranean tomato and red onion salad is a celebration of summer flavors. Enjoy it as a starter or side with just about everything. It's ready to eat in 15 minutes!
Nothing says summer like fresh sweet tomatoes. Smaller varieties like cherry or grape are perfect for quick salads like this one.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- You can make it in 15 minutes with only 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
- It's best eaten right away, so there's no need to chill it in advance.
- It's simple yet incredibly flavorful and a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Ingredients
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Red onion (or substitute white onion)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil
I like the use herb scissors with 5 blades to quickly and easily cut the fresh herbs. It even works well when they are still wet from rinsing them.
Herb Cutter Scissors
- 5 Stainless Steel Blades
- Safety Cover
- Cleaning Comb
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
Since raw onions are often too strong for my taste, I like to use the method outlined in the recipe for Marinated Artichoke Hearts Salad to cut down on their sharpness. However, if you like your onions to have a little kick, you can skip this step.
How to tame a strong onion
Slice the onion crosswise. Separate the slices and place them in a bowl of ice water. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. Drain and run fresh water over the slices, then proceed with the recipe.
Assembling this salad is very easy. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, toss well to combine, and enjoy.
Serving suggestions
This salad goes well with a variety of dishes from rice to pasta to beans. And it's wonderful with some of my favorite vegan gluten-free sourdough bread from Bread SRSLY in San Francisco, which I like to order online and store in my freezer.
Storing
Leftover salad can be covered and refrigerated for about 2 days. I personally prefer this salad fresh and at room temperature. This way the tomatoes have the most flavor.
Recipe FAQs
If the onion tastes too strong for your liking, let the onion slices soak for at least 15 minutes in a bowl of ice water. Drain and rinse them under cold water, then proceed with the recipe.
White onions, green onions (scallions), and shallots can all be used raw in salads in place of red onion.
Choose ones that are bright red and have a firm texture. Avoid ones that have burst.
More vegan cherry tomato recipes
Looking for more easy recipes featuring fresh tomatoes? Try some of these vegan Mediterranean diet favorites:
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Tomato and Red Onion Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 dry pint cherry tomatoes, (or grape tomatoes) halved or quartered
- ½ cup red onion, sliced crosswise (See Notes)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped or cut with herb scissors
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Toss well to combine. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
David
What's better than ripe tomatoes and fresh basil? Turning them into this salad! So quick and easy to make, and oh-so-delicious. This is definitely going to become a staple in my house.
Amy Katz
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, David!
Connie Wobig
Made this for dinner tonight. So simple so good. Will make it again.