This refreshing tomato and onion salad is my go-to because it’s incredibly easy to make yet bursting with vibrant flavors that remind me of summer days. The simple dressing perfectly complements the fresh tomatoes, making it a delightful addition to any meal or just a stand-alone snack.
My German Tomato Salad is no exception in being a straightforward dish bursting with flavor. Components are few, and I kept them simple: ripe tomatoes, red onions, and a vinaigrette of white wine vinegar and olive oil.
Freshness advances the salad’s cause. Sugar in a minimal amount counteracts the vinaigrette’s vinegar.
That seems to balance the salad just right. Parsley in a copious amount adds distinct notes.
Optional fresh herbs (dill or chives, say) discourse pleasantly in the salad’s aroma. You’ve certainly got a nutritious salad when every ingredient is rich in antioxidants.
Ingredients
– Tomatoes: These juicy fruits are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, promoting heart health and providing a burst of freshness.
– Red Onion: Adds a pungent and slightly sweet crunch, offering anti-inflammatory properties and a boost of flavor.
– White Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances flavors, aiding digestion and enhancing the salad’s bright notes.
– Olive Oil: A healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fats, known for improving cholesterol levels and adding a smooth richness.
– Sugar: Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness, adding depth and rounding out the salad’s flavor profile.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives
Instructions
1. Prepare the tomatoes. Wash them and remove the core. Then, slice the tomatoes very thinly or cut them into wedges. Put them into a large bowl.
2. Remove the skin and cut the little red onion into tiny slivers. Toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. In a tiny bowl, blend together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and cracked black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the dressing comes together nicely.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture.
5. Everything together toss gently to ensure the slices of tomato and onion are well coated with the dressing.
6. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together.
7. Right before you serve it, dust the salad with the chopped fresh parsley.
8. For added flavor, use fresh dill or chives, if you like.
9. Sample the salad and modify the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
10. Serve the salad at once. You can serve it as a side salad or as part of your main meal. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Paring knife
3. Chef’s knife
4. Large bowl
5. Small bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or whisk (for blending dressing)
8. Tongs or salad fork/spoon (for tossing salad)
9. Serving plate or bowl
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of onion?A yellow or sweet onion can replace the red onion, but the red onion provides a nice sharp flavor and contrasts well in color.
- Is it possible to use dried herbs instead of fresh?If fresh herbs are not available, dried parsley, dill, or chives can be used. However, you should use a smaller amount since they are more concentrated in flavor.
- Can I substitute the white wine vinegar?Indeed, one can substitute either apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar.
- How long can the salad be stored?The salad is most tasty right after its’ made, but can last for about two days if you keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator like your domestic fridge that you have at home.
- What can I serve this salad with?A German Tomato Salad goes nicely with all sorts of grilled meats and sausages. Or try it as a very refreshing side to sandwiches or BBQ dishes.
- How do I ensure the salad isn’t too watery?To reduce the amount of extra liquid, it’s optimal to remove the seeds from the tomatoes before dicing them.
- Can I add other vegetables to the salad?Sure! You can nicely complement the salad with either cucumbers or bell peppers.
Substitutions and Variations
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in place of white wine vinegar
Substitute olive oil with sunflower oil in a quantity of 3 tablespoons.
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Replace granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup.
1 small shallot or half a sweet yellow onion instead of red onion.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or chopped fresh basil instead of parsley.
Pro Tips
1. Tomato Preparation: For the best flavor and texture, use a serrated knife to slice the tomatoes thinly. This type of knife helps maintain the structure of the tomatoes without squashing them.
2. Onion Treatment: Soak the sliced red onion in iced water for about 10 minutes before adding to the salad. This reduces its sharpness and makes it more crisp.
3. Enhanced Dressing: Consider adding a small clove of minced garlic to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor that complements the tomatoes and onions.
4. Herb Infusion: If using dill or chives, gently bruise the herbs by pressing them lightly with the back of a knife before chopping. This releases more of their essential oils, enhancing their flavor in the salad.
5. Flavor Development: For even better flavor, prepare the salad an hour ahead, cover it, and let it sit in the refrigerator. Then bring it back to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
German Tomato Salad Recipe
My favorite German Tomato Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Paring knife
3. Chef’s knife
4. Large bowl
5. Small bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or whisk (for blending dressing)
8. Tongs or salad fork/spoon (for tossing salad)
9. Serving plate or bowl
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes. Wash them and remove the core. Then, slice the tomatoes very thinly or cut them into wedges. Put them into a large bowl.
2. Remove the skin and cut the little red onion into tiny slivers. Toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. In a tiny bowl, blend together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and cracked black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the dressing comes together nicely.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture.
5. Everything together toss gently to ensure the slices of tomato and onion are well coated with the dressing.
6. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together.
7. Right before you serve it, dust the salad with the chopped fresh parsley.
8. For added flavor, use fresh dill or chives, if you like.
9. Sample the salad and modify the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
10. Serve the salad at once. You can serve it as a side salad or as part of your main meal. Enjoy!
