Get ready to transform your summer dining with the most mouthwatering, incredibly simple salad that screams sunshine and freshness! This Italian-inspired Summer Tomato Onion Salad is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that captures the essence of seasonal produce in every single bite. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll create a dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant but can be whipped up in mere minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry with clean paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces, removing the stem area.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to create delicate, translucent rings.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and then slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomato and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light summer appetizer.
Tips
- Choose the Ripest Tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Slice Onions Thinly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create ultra-thin onion slices that won't overpower the delicate tomato flavor.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste profile.
- Use Fresh Basil: Always use fresh basil and chop it just before adding to maintain its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Quality Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and a touch of authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed shortly after preparation, allowing the ingredients to shine at their freshest.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a small amount of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
