Imagine a dish so simple yet so extraordinary that it captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just a few fresh ingredients. This Fresh Tomato, Onion, and Basil Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary vegetables into a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched fields of Italy. With just 10 minutes of preparation, you'll create a mouthwatering masterpiece that's perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a stunning side dish that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water, then pat dry with clean paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the tomatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes, ensuring even and consistent size for better presentation and flavor distribution.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, creating delicate translucent rings or half-rings.
- Gently rinse the fresh basil leaves under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces by hand to release their aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato, onion, and basil mixture, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning gradually and tasting as you go.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose ripe, farm-fresh tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and texture. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Use a sharp knife when chopping to ensure clean cuts and prevent bruising the ingredients.
- For the most intense flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate and blend their flavors.
- If possible, use extra virgin olive oil and high-quality red wine vinegar to elevate the dressing.
- Serve the salad at room temperature to maximize the release of flavors and aromas.
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding a sprinkle of high-quality sea salt or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
