Onion And Tomato Salad
A refreshing onion and tomato salad with Italian dressing, basil, and cayenne pepper, perfect for light meals or as a side dish for gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into 1/2 inch wedges and place in a large serving bowl.
- Slice onions into 1/4 inch wedges and add to the bowl.
- Add Italian dressing, basil, and ground cayenne pepper to the bowl.
- Mix well and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro instead of dried basil. If you're looking for a milder option, you can substitute red onions for Vidalia onions. To balance the heat from the cayenne, a drizzle of honey can also work well. This salad pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, enhancing any summer meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues or picnics. It complements grilled meats like chicken or fish beautifully. For a light lunch, serve it alongside pita snack appetizers or as a topping for sandwiches. Consider pairing it with a refreshing Minty Mixed Melon salad for a vibrant meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits, but the vegetables may lose some crunch. To refresh the salad before serving, gently toss it with a little more Italian dressing to rehydrate the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Onion And Tomato Salad contains roughly 399 calories, with 6g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. Just remember to refrigerate it for at least two hours to let the flavors meld. However, it's best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
What if I don't have Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing on hand, you can create a simple homemade version using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and a mix of Italian herbs. This will give you a fresh taste that complements the salad perfectly.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. The use of Italian dressing and fresh vegetables makes it a great choice for those following a vegan diet. Feel free to add more veggies for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).