Is there anything more refreshing than a vibrant tomato salad on a hot summer day? The sweet, juicy tomatoes, the bright herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette – it’s summer on a plate! But let’s be honest, that sharp, lingering onion bite can sometimes ruin the whole experience. I used to avoid raw onions in my salads for that very reason. But, I discovered a simple trick that completely transforms the flavor, mellowing the onions and letting the sweetness of the tomatoes really shine through. This Summer Tomato Salad recipe is now a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Summer Tomato Salad
This isn’t just another tomato salad recipe. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:
- Perfectly Mellow Onions: Say goodbye to that harsh, overpowering onion flavor. Our simple soaking method takes the edge off, leaving a subtly sweet taste that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Ripe summer tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty vinaigrette create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: This salad is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil make this salad a feast for the eyes.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Best Tomato Salad
The beauty of this summer tomato salad lies in its simplicity, so using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key. The combination of sweet tomatoes, mellowed red onion, fragrant basil, and a simple vinaigrette creates a bright and flavorful dish perfect for a hot day. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- The Stars of the Show: Tomatoes! Seek out 3 large, ripe tomatoes. The more colorful the mix, the better! Heirloom tomatoes are fantastic if you can find them, with their unique shapes and intense flavors. But any ripe, juicy tomato will work wonderfully.
- Red Onion (Minus the Bite): We need just 1/2 of a small red onion. Don’t be tempted to skip the onion entirely! A small amount adds a necessary savory element. We will be soaking it to remove the sharpness, leaving behind a pleasant sweetness.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves is essential. The fragrant aroma and slightly peppery flavor of basil perfectly complement the tomatoes. Look for bright green leaves, avoiding any that are wilted or bruised.
- Olive Oil: Use 2 tablespoons of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Since this salad is so simple, the flavor of the olive oil really shines through.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar or another vinegar of your choice adds a necessary tang to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes. You could also use balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter note.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always best!
- Ice Water: For soaking the onions – this is the magic ingredient that removes the harsh bite!
Remember, fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple salad.
Crafting Your Summer Tomato Salad: Step-by-Step
Making this summer tomato salad is incredibly easy. The most important step is soaking the red onion to mellow its flavor. This simple trick will prevent it from overpowering the other ingredients and allow the sweetness of the tomatoes to truly shine. Let’s get started!
- Prepare the Red Onion: Begin by thinly slicing the 1/2 small red onion into rings or half rings. The thinner you slice them, the more effectively the ice water can draw out the pungent compounds.
- Soak the Onions: Place the sliced red onion in a small bowl and cover them completely with ice water. This is the key step! Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The ice water helps to break down the compounds that cause the sharp onion bite.
- Slice the Tomatoes: While the onion is soaking, slice the 3 ripe tomatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds or wedges. The thickness is up to you, but try to keep them consistent for even presentation. Arrange the sliced tomatoes artfully on a serving plate.
- Chiffonade the Basil: Stack the 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves on top of each other. Then, roll them tightly into a cylinder, like a cigar. Thinly slice the rolled basil into ribbons. This technique, called a chiffonade, releases the basil’s fragrant oils and creates beautiful, delicate ribbons.
- Drain and Dry the Onions: After 10-15 minutes, drain the soaked red onion thoroughly. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Assemble the Salad: Scatter the mellowed red onion slices evenly over the arranged tomatoes. Then, sprinkle the chiffonade basil ribbons over the tomatoes and onions.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar evenly over the salad.
- Season and Serve: Just before serving, season the salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Perfect Summer Tomato Salad Every Time
Want to take your summer tomato salad to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:
- Choose Ripe, But Not Overripe, Tomatoes: The best tomatoes for this salad are ripe, juicy, and flavorful. Avoid tomatoes that are too soft or mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking Step: Soaking the red onion is crucial for mellowing its flavor. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with a salad that’s too overpowering.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since the olive oil is a key component of the vinaigrette, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Make it Ahead (Sort Of): You can slice the tomatoes and soak the onions ahead of time. However, dress the salad just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy.
- Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The tomatoes may become slightly softer over time.
Consider adding other fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor. Want a little more substance? Crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella balls would be delicious additions. For a spicy kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. Experiment and make it your own!
What to Serve With Summer Tomato Salad
This versatile salad is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs especially well with grilled meats like chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside a simple pasta dish or as a light lunch on its own. Consider serving it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious vinaigrette. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad. For a delightful appetizer, serve the tomato salad with some creamy hummus and toasted pita bread – you might even try making your own rosemary olive oil focaccia!
Your Summer Tomato Salad Questions Answered (FAQ)
Still have questions about making the perfect summer tomato salad? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use a different type of onion?
While red onion is traditionally used in this salad, you can substitute it with a sweet onion, such as Vidalia, or even scallions. Just remember that the soaking step is most crucial for red onions, as they tend to have the strongest flavor.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes! Red wine vinegar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other vinegars, such as balsamic vinegar (for a sweeter flavor), white wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar. The key is to use a vinegar that you enjoy the taste of.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is definitely the best option for this salad, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Keep in mind that the flavor of dried basil is more concentrated, so use it sparingly. You could also try other fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, make sure to drain the soaked red onion thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the salad. Also, dress the salad just before serving, as the vinaigrette will draw moisture out of the tomatoes over time.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese, fresh mozzarella balls, or even shaved Parmesan cheese would be delicious additions to this salad. The cheese will add a creamy, salty element that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Enjoy Your Homemade Summer Tomato Salad!
With its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and that secret trick for mellowing the onion, this Summer Tomato Salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer and enjoy the freshest ingredients. So grab some ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and give this recipe a try! And don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Summer Tomato Salad (No More Sharp Onion Bite!)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe large tomatoes mixed colors if possible
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or other vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Ice water for soaking
Directions
- Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half rings.
- Place the sliced onion in a small bowl and cover completely with ice water. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This is the key step to remove the harsh bite.
- While the onion soaks, slice the tomatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds or wedges. Arrange them on a serving plate.
- Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly, and thinly slice into ribbons (this is called a chiffonade).
- Drain the soaked red onion thoroughly and pat dry gently with a paper towel. Scatter the mellowed onion slices over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the basil ribbons over the tomatoes and onions.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar evenly over the salad.
- Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper just before serving.
