Description
A vibrant and refreshing Marinated Tomato Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy homemade marinade made with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, this salad is quick to prepare and benefits from a short marinating time to deepen the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 5 medium ripe and juicy tomatoes
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh herbs like basil or parsley)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Rinse and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into wedges or thick rounds, mixing colors if desired, to create a vibrant salad base.
- Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the red onion into rings. To mellow the sharpness, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes and then drain, preserving crispness without overwhelming bite.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sugar if using, salt, pepper, and oregano until the dressing is emulsified and silky.
- Combine and Toss: Place the sliced tomatoes and onions into a large bowl or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the top and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Let It Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fragrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use the freshest and ripest tomatoes available for the best flavor and texture.
- Soaking the onions helps reduce their sharpness while maintaining crunch.
- Adjust the sugar and salt in the marinade to taste, depending on the tomatoes’ sweetness and personal preference.
- Letting the salad marinate enhances the depth of flavor but avoid marinating too long to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add vibrant color and fresh aroma as garnish.
