Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, the Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe is a must-have in your recipe collection. This charming salad combines juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp red onions, all tied together by a luscious balsamic dressing that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. It’s a quick, no-fuss dish that steals the show whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a colorful side, or a refreshing snack to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect mix of texture, taste, and color, making every bite a delightful experience. Freshness is key, so picking ripe cherry tomatoes and sweet onions will elevate the salad to something truly special.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These are the star of the salad, providing juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a slight crunch and sharpness that balances the tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Gives a rich, smooth mouthfeel and brings all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: The soul of the dressing, offering a tangy, slightly sweet depth.
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar: A subtle hint of sweetness to round out the acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors while bringing harmony to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warms the palate.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A fresh herbal note that makes the salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and slicing them in half. Thinly slice the red onion so it blends nicely without overpowering the other ingredients. Combining these two fresh elements creates the classic base of this salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This simple dressing is where the magic happens, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory notes in one delicious drizzle.
Step 3: Toss and Marinate
Pour the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture in a medium bowl. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Sprinkle over chopped fresh basil or parsley if you like, and let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This little wait time allows the flavors to blend wonderfully without the veggies losing their crunch.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only adds a burst of green color but also lifts the flavor profile with refreshing herbal notes. You can also add a handful of crumbled feta for a creamy contrast or a few toasted pine nuts for extra texture.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and goes beautifully alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even atop a bed of quinoa for a light vegetarian meal. It’s also fantastic when served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all those delicious balsamic juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful touch, serve the salad in individual glass jars or bowls so the vibrant cherry tomatoes and onions are visible. You can even layer it with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves to create a colorful, Mediterranean-inspired salad parfait. The Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe lends itself well to playful presentations that impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best eaten fresh or within 24 hours; however, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release more juice over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Due to the fresh nature of the ingredients, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the tomatoes and onions will change dramatically, losing the crispness that makes this dish so enticing.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Instead, allow refrigerated leftovers to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to revive the flavor and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes give a wonderful bite-sized sweetness, grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes work beautifully too. Just slice them similarly so the salad maintains its texture.
Is the balsamic vinegar essential in this recipe?
Yes, balsamic vinegar is key to the unique tangy-sweet flavor profile of this salad, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar or honey.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead, but it’s best to add the fresh herbs and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp and bright.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Consider adding cooked grains like quinoa or couscous, avocado slices for creaminess, or even some protein such as chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn this refreshing salad into a satisfying meal.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes! The basic Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian. Just be mindful if you add extras like cheese, which would alter that.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe that keeps me coming back season after season. It’s easy, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish to brighten any meal or occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this simple yet sensational salad as much as I have!
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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 vibrant Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic is a fresh and simple Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a light meal or a side. Featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and sharp red onions tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing with a hint of honey, this salad bursts with flavor and freshness. It’s quick to prepare with no cooking required, making it ideal for warm days or when you need a healthy, fast option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing
- 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
- Combine Tomatoes and Onion: In a medium bowl, place the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- 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 blended and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture, then toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh basil or parsley if using, adding a fresh herbal note to the salad.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, giving time for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- This salad is best served at room temperature to enhance the taste of the balsamic dressing.
- Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, crusty bread, or as a refreshing side to any Mediterranean dish.
