Marinated Tomato and Onion Salad (Easy Recipe)

Refresh your summer side routine with this mouthwatering Tomato and Onion Salad. It features juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, and aromatic herbs tossed in a garlic-infused balsamic dressing.

This tangy salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, sandwiches, Indian dishes, and more!

I often mix and match in-season fresh veggies and herbs with simple homemade dressings to create nutritious and delicious salads.

From my healthy cabbage salad and raw turnip salad to my Mediterranean tomato salad, I’ve shared quite a few of my creations, but this recipe for tomato and onion salad may be my new favorite.

Picture ripe tomatoes, sliced red onions, fresh herbs, and an irresistibly garlicky balsamic vinaigrette dressing, all coming together in a beautiful bowl of vibrant colors and flavors.

It’s perfect for those laid-back summer evenings when you’re craving something light and refreshing with minimal fuss.

Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats and fish, add it to a grain bowl, or simply enjoy it with crusty bread, this tomato onion salad is guaranteed to hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this simple salad is about to become your new go-to summer side dish:

• Simple and flavorful. With just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, this marinated tomato onion salad delivers BIG flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
• Versatile. It makes a perfect side dish for grilled favorites, grain bowls, and more, whether served as a side, condiment, or standalone snack.
• Quick and easy. This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu summer gatherings.

Ingredient Notes

When it comes to this tomato and onion salad recipe (or any fresh vegetable salad for that matter), I cannot stress the importance of ingredient quality enough. Use the freshest produce you can find.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients:

For the Salad

• Tomatoes – The star of this easy recipe! Opt for ripe, fleshy varieties like roma, heirloom, or vine-ripened tomatoes. Or, consider using cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter alternative if tomatoes are out of season.
• Red onion – Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a sharp, slightly sweet, and crunchy dimension. Yellow, white, or sweet onion also works, but you may want to soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes before using them to reduce their pungency.
• Fresh herbs – I used fresh parsley and dill. You can also use cilantro or basil.

For the Dressing

• Garlic cloves – Minced or crushed garlic gives the dressing a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Look for oils labeled “first cold-pressed” or “extra virgin” for the best results.
• Balsamic vinegar – Again, quality matters! Avoid thin, overly acidic balsamic vinegar and choose one with a rich, tangy flavor and a dense, syrupy consistency. Balsamic vinegar works best, but you can also use red wine vinegar.
• Dried oregano – I love adding dried oregano to salad dressings because it’s much easier to store than fresh oregano, so I always have it on hand. You may need to increase the quantity to achieve the same flavor intensity if using fresh oregano.
• Black pepper – Preferably freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
• Salt – To taste.

How to Make Tomato and Onion Salad

For the full tomato and onion salad recipe, including ingredient quantities and printable instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Prep the produce.

Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized slices, thinly slice the onion, and finely chop the herbs. Add everything to a large bowl.

Step 2. Make the dressing.

Press or mince the garlic and place it in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, and black pepper to the garlic bowl and whisk vigorously to combine.

Step 3. Toss the salad.

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Add a generous pinch of salt and gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.

Step 4. Chill and serve.

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

For the best tomato and onion salad, keep these handy tips and tricks in mind:

• Toss with care. When tossing the salad ingredients, be gentle and avoid mashing the tomatoes to maintain their juicy texture and vibrant appearance.
• Let it chill. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste experience.
• Adjust seasonings to taste. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of extra balsamic vinegar.
• Serve with style. Presentation matters! For an elegant touch, serve your tomato onion salad in a beautiful bowl garnished with fresh herbs.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some flavorful ideas:

• Add other veggies – Make this salad your own by adding extra veggies such as cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, carrots, or olives.
• Make it spicy – Add a punch of fiery flavor to your tomato onion salad by tossing in some sliced jalapeños or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Add cheese – The creamy texture and tangy flavor of crumbled feta cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, or goat cheese pair perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the sharpness of the onions.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Transfer leftover tomato onion salad to an airtight container, place it in the refrigerator, and consume it within 24 hours. Gently toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the vegetables.

More Summer Salad Recipes

Here are a few other healthy recipes for you to try:

• New Potato Salad with Tomatoes and Dill
• Romaine Salad with Chopped Veggies and Feta
• Potato Cucumber Salad with Dill and Garlic
• German Cucumber Salad
• Raw Beet Salad