If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful salad that celebrates the simple beauty of ripe tomatoes and tangy onions, you’re going to fall in love with this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe. It’s a no-fuss dish that combines juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp red onions with a perfectly balanced balsamic dressing that brings out the sweetness and sharpness in every bite. This salad is not just easy to whip up but also a bright, colorful addition to any meal, making it an instant favorite in my kitchen and sure to become one in yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe rests on the magic of just a few, simple ingredients—each playing an essential role in creating a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning. Choosing quality ingredients means every bite bursts with vibrant taste and texture.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these are the star of the salad providing vibrant color and freshness.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and delightful crunch to contrast the tomatoes’ sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and smooth texture, balancing the acidity in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Infuses the salad with a tangy, slightly sweet depth that elevates all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar: Just a touch to round out the acidity and highlight the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and pulls everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Offers an aromatic freshness that brightens the salad even more.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl. These colorful, fresh ingredients form the crunchy, juicy base that makes this salad so refreshing and lively.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until everything is fully blended. This simple homemade dressing is the heart of the Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe, providing a lovely balance between tangy, sweet, and savory.
Step 3: Toss and Coat Gently
Pour the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together so each piece is beautifully coated without bruising the tomatoes. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Let it Sit
Sprinkle your chopped fresh basil or parsley over the salad if you’re using it, then give it a final gentle toss. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes so all the vibrant flavors can mingle and marry perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts on top just before serving. A few fresh basil leaves or microgreens also add a pretty, gourmet touch that invites you in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even hearty crusty bread. Its light, fresh character complements richer or smoky flavors wonderfully, making it an ideal side for summer barbecues or casual dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual small bowls or clear glass jars for a charming picnic or dinner party presentation. You can also layer the salad with alternating colors of cherry tomatoes in a clear bowl for a stunning visual effect that makes this simple dish look special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for maximum freshness and texture.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crisp tomatoes and onions, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the ingredients will suffer and become watery and mushy.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve it chilled or at room temperature to best enjoy the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in this salad?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and bite-sized shape, grape tomatoes or even diced heirloom tomatoes can work well—just be sure to adjust the size so the salad maintains its lovely texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! This Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe is naturally vegan as written. Just avoid adding any optional cheese garnishes to keep it fully plant-based.
How long should I let the salad marinate?
A quick 5 to 10 minutes is perfect to allow the flavors of the dressing to meld with the tomatoes and onions without making the veggies soggy.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Sliced cucumber, diced bell peppers, or even olives can add interesting flavors and textures, but keep the balance light so the salad stays fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best way to slice the onions?
Thinly slicing the red onions ensures they’re tender and not overpowering, giving just a gentle zing that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that delivers bold, fresh flavors with a fuss-free method, this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe will quickly become a kitchen favorite. It’s an effortless way to brighten up any meal, impress guests, or just treat yourself to something deliciously simple. Give it a try—you might find it’s the perfect pick-me-up your summer menu has been missing!
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Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic is a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a quick and easy summer side. Featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, and a flavorful balsamic dressing, it’s light, healthy, and full of bright, balanced flavors. A touch of honey adds subtle sweetness while fresh basil or parsley lends a fragrant herbal note, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion, ensuring they are evenly mixed to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing. Pour the prepared dressing over the tomato and onion mixture and toss gently so every piece is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add fresh herbs. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil or parsley if using, to impart fresh herbal notes and enhance the salad’s aroma.
- Let rest before serving. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, giving the ingredients time to marry and deepen in flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best taste and juiciness.
- This salad is delicious when served at room temperature, which helps bring out the flavors.
- Perfect as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or crusty artisan breads.
