Tomato And Red Onion Salad With Goat Cheese
A fresh, vibrant salad featuring ripe tomatoes, red onions, and creamy goat cheese, dressed with a tangy red wine vinaigrette—perfect for light, summery meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer thinly sliced tomatoes attractively on a plate.
- Top with thinly sliced red onion rings and slices of goat cheese.
- Mix together red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fruity olive oil to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Garnish with olives and basil.
Tips & Substitutions
Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. If goat cheese isn't available, feta or creamy ricotta can be good substitutes. For a bit of heat, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños. To make the salad ahead, prepare the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Breasts With Wild Mushrooms And Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, add fresh basil and olives as garnish to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad may become watery, so it’s best to drain excess liquid before serving again. Avoid reheating, as the fresh flavors are best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato And Red Onion Salad With Goat Cheese contains roughly 99 calories, with 4g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1877mg per serving (82% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the tomatoes, onions, and cheese ahead, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess. Keep the dressing in a separate container for maximum freshness.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don't have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives. They will slightly change the flavor profile but will still complement the salad well.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. It consists of fresh vegetables and cheese, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. Just ensure that the goat cheese is made without any animal rennet for strict vegetarians.
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).