Authentic Italian Caprese-Style Tomato Onion Salad
This delightful Italian Caprese-Style Tomato Onion Salad brings together the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and sweet red onions, infused with aromatic herbs and zesty vinegar. Inspired by classic Italian dining, this refreshing salad is perfect as a side to pizza, lasagna, or any Italian feast. With fresh basil, minced garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it captures the essence of Italian cuisine effortlessly. Especially delightful when allowed to marinate, the textures meld together beautifully, making it a staple at summer gatherings or cozy dinners alike.
N/A
Servings
56
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
large tomatoes
4 (cut into wedges)
red onions
1.5 cups (sliced thin)
apple cider vinegar
1 dash (added to the mixing bowl)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
oregano
1/2 tablespoon (for flavoring)
fresh garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (optional, for heat)
cracked black pepper
to taste (for finishing)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Cut each tomato into wedges, ensuring to scrape all juice, seeds, and pulp into a medium mixing bowl.
2
Slice the red onions into thin, even strips. This will help them integrate well into the salad.
3
In the mixing bowl with the tomato, add the sliced onions along with a dash of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of sea salt. Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients evenly.
4
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least one hour. This pause allows the salt to draw out the natural juices from the tomatoes and onions, softening their textures. Stir occasionally to mix the flavors.
5
After an hour, add the chopped fresh basil, oregano, minced garlic, and olive oil to the salad. If you enjoy a bit of spice, incorporate the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Let the salad marinate for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature alongside crusty Italian bread or slices of sourdough flute.
Nutrition Information
4.3g
Fat
3.2g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Authentic Italian Caprese-Style Tomato Onion Salad?
It is a refreshing salad that combines ripe tomatoes and sweet red onions with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, finished with a zesty vinegar dressing.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 large tomatoes cut into wedges. Any ripe variety like beefsteak or Roma works well.
Should I remove the seeds from the tomatoes?
No, you should scrape all the juice, seeds, and pulp into the mixing bowl as they form the base of the natural dressing.
What kind of onions are best for this salad?
Red onions are used for their mild sweetness and vibrant color, sliced into thin, even strips.
What is the purpose of the apple cider vinegar?
A dash of apple cider vinegar adds a necessary tang that balances the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes.
Why do the tomatoes and onions need to sit for an hour?
Sitting at room temperature with salt allows the vegetables to release their natural juices and softens their texture.
How much sea salt is required?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of sea salt to help draw out moisture and season the dish.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for its aromatic quality, you can use dried basil in a smaller quantity if necessary.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The salad features 3 to 4 minced fresh garlic cloves for a bold Italian flavor.
What type of oil should I use for the dressing?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used to enrich the salad and meld the flavors together.
Is this salad spicy?
It can be if you choose to add the optional one tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long is the final marination period?
After adding the herbs and oil, the salad should marinate for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature, ideally with crusty Italian bread or sourdough.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 56 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The salad contains about 4.3g of fat, primarily from the olive oil.
How many carbohydrates are in the salad?
Each serving contains approximately 3.2g of carbohydrates.
Is there much protein in this recipe?
The salad is low in protein, providing about 0.6g per serving.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 ingredients including the optional red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper.
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar would also work well in this Italian-style dish.
What makes it Caprese-style if there is no cheese?
It is Caprese-style due to the core combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil common in Italian cuisine.
Does this salad contain gluten?
The salad itself is gluten-free, but be cautious if serving with traditional Italian bread.
Can I prepare this salad the day before?
Yes, though the tomatoes may become very soft; it is best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What main courses pair well with this salad?
It pairs perfectly with pizza, lasagna, or grilled Mediterranean meats.
Is sea salt necessary or can I use table salt?
You can use table salt, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly as it is finer than sea salt.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of oregano for flavoring.
Should I stir the salad during the marination?
Yes, stirring occasionally helps ensure the flavors and salt are evenly distributed.
Can I add other vegetables?
While not traditional for this specific recipe, cucumbers or bell peppers could be added for extra crunch.
Is this a good summer dish?
Yes, it is particularly delightful during summer when tomatoes are at their peak ripeness.