If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a delightful medley of juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp red onions, enhanced by a luscious balsamic vinaigrette that perfectly balances acidity and sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a quick way to brighten up your weeknight meals, this salad combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe plays an important role in creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color. The fresh produce brings crispness and juiciness, while the olive oil and balsamic vinegar create that irresistible tangy dressing that ties everything together.
- Cherry tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite that mellow after resting with the dressing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the dressing’s flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides the signature tangy depth essential to this recipe.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity.
- Honey or maple syrup: Optional, but highly recommended to balance the acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Add a fragrant herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan (optional): Introduce a creamy, salty contrast.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls (optional): For a soft, milky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Kalamata olives (optional): Bring a briny punch that elevates the salad.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick of heat for adventurous palates.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by halving the cherry tomatoes—quarter them if they’re on the larger side—and then thinly slice your red onion. Placing these fresh ingredients into a serving bowl sets the stage for the bright, tangy flavors to come.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and if you choose, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple but dynamic dressing is what makes the salad truly sing.
Step 3: Toss and Rest
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and onions, then gently toss everything to coat evenly. Letting the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the tomatoes to release their natural juice, creating a juicy, luscious experience in every bite.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, fold in some torn fresh basil leaves or sprinkle on your choice of cheese like crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. This final step personalizes the salad and adds extra layers of flavor.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil not only add a pop of green but also infuse the salad with an aromatic freshness. Cheese options such as creamy burrata or crumbly feta complement the tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish, effortlessly cutting through rich flavors with its bright acidity. It also makes an excellent topping on toasted sourdough or bruschetta for a light appetizer or a quick lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tossing the salad with cooked pasta for a colorful summer meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Or serve it as a vibrant bed for burrata to instantly elevate your dining experience—a restaurant-worthy dish right at home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to blend, but the tomatoes may release more juice, so be ready for a slightly saucier texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended, as the tomatoes and onions will lose their crisp texture and become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serve it chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the full burst of freshness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and size, grape tomatoes or small heirloom varieties work beautifully too. Just adjust cutting sizes accordingly.
Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
While balsamic vinegar gives this salad its distinct flavor, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, but expect a different taste profile.
Can I prepare this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit any cheese toppings like feta or mozzarella, and you have a vibrant vegan-friendly salad full of fresh flavors.
How long should I soak the onions if they’re too strong?
Soaking thinly sliced onions in cold water for about 5 to 10 minutes can help mellow their sharpness, making the salad more balanced and enjoyable.
What’s the best way to balance acidity in the dressing?
If your dressing feels too tangy, a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup naturally softens the acid, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate. The freshness, simplicity, and flexibility make it an everyday favorite you’ll want to whip up again and again. So, grab those ingredients, toss it all together, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to salad!
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Cherry Tomato Onion Salad with Balsamic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cherry Tomato Onion Salad dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, perfect as a side dish or a light snack. This easy-to-make salad highlights the sweet juiciness of cherry tomatoes paired with sharp red onions, balanced by a touch of honey and olive oil, and can be customized with cheese, fresh herbs, or olives for added flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze for sweeter depth)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
- Kalamata olives
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Place the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes and very thinly sliced red onion into a large serving bowl, preparing the salad base.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup if using, salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful vinaigrette.
- Toss & Rest: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and onions and gently toss to evenly coat. Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together and the tomatoes release their juices, enhancing the salad’s taste.
- Finish & Serve: Add optional ingredients such as torn basil leaves, crumbled cheeses, mozzarella pearls, olives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes as desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- If the raw red onion flavor is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain to mellow the sharpness.
- Use room-temperature tomatoes to maximize the salad’s sweetness and flavor.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze added at the end can provide a deliciously sweet finish.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled steak, chicken, or fish, and can be served over toasted sourdough or tossed with pasta for a quick meal.
