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Craving a burst of summer freshness? Look no further than this single serving tomato salad! It’s packed with juicy, ripe tomatoes, tangy red onions, and a vibrant dressing, all coming together in a symphony of deliciousness. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this salad boasts big flavor and is surprisingly satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light and healthy lunch.
Looking for a light and refreshing lunch? Enjoy this fresh tomato salad as is, or elevate it to a full meal by pairing it with juicy Baked Chicken Thighs, melt-in-your-mouth Beef Tenderloin, or flaky Baked Cod. For an extra flavor boost, top it with a dollop of homemade pesto or creamy hummus. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Salad Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Whip up this salad in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute lunch.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Ripe tomatoes are bursting with sweetness and acidity, complemented by the bite of red onions and the zingy dressing.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill, crumbled feta cheese, or even slices of cucumber.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a delicious way to boost your health.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Enjoy this salad year-round with fresh, seasonal tomatoes.
How To Choose The Best Tomatoes For Your Salad
Choosing the perfect tomato for your single serving salads isn’t rocket science, but it’s a skill worth knowing. Here’s how to ensure you’re grabbing the best of the best:
Sight:
- Color: Look for vibrant, consistent red without green patches (a sign they were picked unripe).
- Blemishes: No dark bruises, wrinkles, or soft, spotted areas.
- Stem and leaves: Green and vibrant, not brown or withered.
Feel:
- Weight: They should feel heavy for their size, an excellent sign of juiciness.
- Firmness: Gently press – they should be slightly soft, giving way ever so slightly but not squishing easily.
Smell:
- Fruity and sweet: That classic “tomato-y” aroma is what you’re looking for. A strong, sweet scent indicates peak ripeness.
- Avoid: No musty or earthy odors, which signify spoilage.
Pro Tips: If you’re not using them immediately, choose tomatoes that are slightly underripe and let them finish ripening at room temperature. They’ll develop even richer sweetness!
Go Organic and Local If Possible: Organic tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides and often have more flavor. Local tomatoes are likely to be fresher as they don’t require long transport times.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this tomato salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tomatoes: Ripe is king! Choose regular, Roma, cherry, or heirloom, all cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum flavor infusion with the dressing. If you’ve got a few extra tomatoes, use them in Ratatouille, Cioppino, or Chicken Caprese.
- Parsley: I prefer finely chopped curly parsley, but flat-leaf works too. Feel free to pile it on! Use any remaining parsley in Crab Cakes, Tabbouleh, or Chicken Margherita. Not a fan of parsley? Use fresh cilantro or mint instead.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a nice bite. Start with 2-3 slices and adjust to your taste. Add any leftover red onions to a Smoked Salmon Platter, Cowboy Caviar, or a Greek Salad.
- Capers: Tangy and briny, these pickled flower buds add a unique lemony zest. Leftover capers can be added to Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata. If you don’t have capers, leave them out or substitute with chopped kalamata olives.
- Garlic: I use 1 clove, minced with a knife or grated for a smoother experience. Adjust the amount depending on your love of garlic.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin gets my vote for its rich flavor and nutrients. Lighter olive oil works too.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh or bottled, your choice!
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip the salt! It draws out tomato juices and enhances the dish. Black pepper adds its classic touch.
- Optional Add-ins: Elevate your salad with fresh basil, dill, feta cheese, or cucumber slices.
Leftover Tip: Don’t let anything go to waste! Use leftover red onion in salads, sandwiches, or dips. Pickle leftover capers for later use. Get creative!
How To Make A Tomato Salad
- Gather your ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomato, red onion, parsley, and capers.
- Whip up the dressing: Grab another small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dress to impress: Pour the zesty dressing over your tomato mixture and gently toss with a fork or spoon, ensuring everything gets a delicious coat.
- Season to perfection: Take a taste! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Expert Tips
- Use the best quality tomatoes you can find. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes will make all the difference in the taste of your salad.
- Adjust the quantity of onions, capers, and garlic to suit your palate.
- Don’t overdress the salad. You want the flavors of the tomatoes to shine through.
- If you have time, let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it’s best consumed fresh. If made ahead, store in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or fish makes excellent additions.
It’s best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
More Single Serving Salad Recipes
Craving more single serving salads that are both speedy and delicious? Look no further! Here are a few exciting, flavor-packed options:
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad: Earthy sweet potatoes meet protein-rich black beans, creating a warm and satisfying medley.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Vibrant and zesty, this salad captures the essence of Mexican street food with charred corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a delightful dressing.
- Broccoli Salad: Crunchy florets of broccoli bathed in a creamy, tangy dressing, studded with savory bacon bits and crunchy sunflower seeds.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic comfort food reimagined as a single serving delight. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with pasta perfection.
- Ambrosia Salad: A sweet and nostalgic treat, featuring juicy pineapple, citrus segments, and mini marshmallows in a fluffy, creamy cloud.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this tomato salad or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Fresh Tomato Salad For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large tomato , chopped
- 3 thin slices red onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomato, red onion, parsley, and capers.
- Grab another small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Pour the zesty dressing over your tomato mixture and gently toss with a fork or spoon, ensuring everything gets a delicious coat.
- Take a taste! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Notes
- Use the best quality tomatoes you can find. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes will make all the difference in the taste of your salad.
- Adjust the quantity of onions, capers, and garlic to suit your palate.
- Don’t overdress the salad. You want the flavors of the tomatoes to shine through.
- If you have time, let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I added some cubed cucumber. Delicious!!!
One of my favorites! I use some of your add on ideas when I have them.
So glad to hear you’re enjoying the tomato salad and making it your own with the add-on ideas! Fresh ingredients really do make all the difference. Keep experimenting and thanks for the love!
Light, fresh and oh so GOOD!
Love the salad and the dressing!
Excellent, thank you. I added chopped avocado and cucumber, served it over greens. It was perfect alongside my peas omelette and basmati rice. Thank you for all your wonderful mini recipes.
I make something similar only I use tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, onions, basil, and bits of mozzarella
Thank you for your excellent recipes. You have been there for me through COVID. I enjoyed trying your Recipes for One. They were quick and easy and I looked forward to a different treat every day. Ingredients were easy to find in my cupboard so less running to the store during the pandemic. 😋
I’m so happy our recipes have been helpful to you, Marie. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.