This Is THE Best Summer Tomato Salad (Even Better Than Caprese) Recipe

I whipped up a Tomato Salad featuring 4-6 ripe heirloom tomatoes paired with thin red onion slices and torn basil leaves. A dash of minced garlic mingles with olive oil and red wine vinegar while salt and black pepper round out a dish that captures the vibrant freshness of summer.

I always knew there was something special about a tomato salad that could steal the spotlight during the summer. I came across this recipe and couldn’t help but try it for myself.

Its vibrant mix of freshly chopped 4-6 ripe heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and plenty of torn basil leaves instantly caught my eye. Then, a couple of minced garlic cloves adds that extra kick, while the olive oil and red wine vinegar create a perfect harmony with a dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

This salad goes beyond your typical caprese style, embracing bold flavors that make it a standout showstopper on any table. Every bite is full of texture and flavor, making it a fun twist on your usual healthy salad recipes.

Give it a chance and let its simplicity surprise you like a well-kept secret gem in the veggie dishes world.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s super refreshing and perfect for hot summer days because the juicy heirloom tomatoes really burst with flavor after sitting in the dressing for a few minutes. Second, I like how simple it is – chopping up some tomatoes, red onion and basil, adding garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, and then letting it all mingle just seems like an easy way to feel fancy without too much effort. Third, the mix of flavors is amazing; the garlic and basil give it a unique kick and the red wine vinegar makes everything pop, which is just awesome in my opinion. Fourth, I appreciate that it’s such a flexible recipe, so if I feel like adding extra onion for more bite or experimenting with extra salt and pepper, it still comes out tasting great even when I mess around with it a bit.

Ingredients

• Juicy and vibrant tomatoes that add fiber, vitamins and a naturally sweet tang.
• Crunchy red onions bring a sharp bite and extra fiber boosting natural flavors.
• Fresh basil leaves offer aromatic notes and antioxidants while balancing the salad tang.
• Minced garlic gives a spicy, warm kick and supports heart health with its potent compounds.
• Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats, boosts flavor and helps blend all tastes.
• Red wine vinegar provides a zesty tang that cuts richness and enlivens each bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4-6 ripe heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped or sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (you can use more if you like a bit of extra bite)
• A generous handful of fresh basil leaves, torn roughly
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you’re into a garlicky flavor)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• About 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by roughly chopping or slicing your 4-6 ripe heirloom tomatoes and place them in a large serving bowl.

2. Thinly slice the small red onion and add it to the bowl (if you like a stronger bite, feel free to add more).

3. Tear a generous handful of fresh basil leaves roughly by hand and mix them in with the tomatoes and onions.

4. Mince 2 garlic cloves and scatter them evenly over the veggies for that extra garlicky zing.

5. Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil all over the salad.

6. Follow up with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, making sure it gets mixed well into the mix.

7. Season the salad with approximately 1 teaspoon salt, adjusting the amount if needed to match your taste.

8. Give it a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper and toss everything gently to combine all the flavors.

9. Let the salad sit for at least 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together nicely. Enjoy your refreshing summer tomato salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board for chopping the tomatoes, red onion, and garlic
2. Chef knife to slice, chop, and mince the ingredients
3. Large serving bowl to mix all the veggies together
4. Measuring spoons for the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt
5. Mixing spoon or salad tongs to toss the salad and blend the flavors

FAQ

This Is THE Best Summer Tomato Salad (Even Better Than Caprese) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find heirloom tomatoes, try using vine-ripened tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes halved for that sweet, juicy pop.
• If red onions aren’t available, you can swap them for sweet onions or even scallions if you want a milder bite.
• If you’re out of fresh basil, mint or even fresh oregano can add a unique twist to the salad.
• Didn’t have extra virgin olive oil? Avocado oil works well, or even a light drizzle of canola oil if thats what you got.
• For red wine vinegar, you might substitute with apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for that tangy kick.

Pro Tips

1. If you want a deeper flavor, try letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes instead of just 5 so all the juices have time to mix together.
2. Don’t be shy about adjusting the garlic and salt amounts based on your taste cuz fresh ingredients can vary a lot in intensity.
3. Experiment with the types of tomatoes you use; mixing a couple of varieties can really amp up the flavor and add extra juiciness.
4. When tossing the salad, gently mix the ingredients so the basil stays mostly intact, keepin it fresh and aromatic instead of all mushy.