Tomato Salad by Pioneer Woman is a delicious and simple salad made with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy homemade dressing. The tomatoes are combined with a light and zesty vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs. This salad is a great side dish for any summer meal or BBQ. It’s healthy, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd favorite.
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Why You Will Love This Salad
- The combination of fresh tomatoes and red onion provides a vibrant and flavorful base for the salad.
- The balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the vegetables nicely.
- The addition of fresh basil provides a subtle herbal flavor and aroma that brings the dish to life.
- The simple, yet delicious recipe and easy-to-find ingredients make this salad a perfect dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to summer picnics and potlucks.
- This salad is a great way to enjoy the peak-season ripe tomatoes and it’s also a healthy side dish, low in calories and high in vitamins.
- This salad recipe can easily be customized with different vegetables and cheese of your choice, depending on your taste.
Pioneer Woman Tomato Salad Ingredients
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Pioneer Woman Tomato Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the salad
How To Store Tomato Salad
In The Fridge:
- Make sure the salad is in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
- Keep the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The tomatoes might release some juice and make the salad watery, but it will still be edible.
- Before serving, give it a good stir, and adjust seasoning if needed.
In The Freezer:
- It is not recommended to freeze the Tomato Salad, as tomatoes do not freeze well and they will become mushy and lose their texture and flavor. The balsamic vinegar and olive oil in the dressing also separate when frozen, which can affect the overall taste of the salad. If you’re looking to preserve tomatoes, canning or sun-drying are the best ways to store tomatoes.
Can I Make Tomato Salad Ahead Of Time
Yes, you can make tomato salad ahead of time. However, tomatoes tend to release their juices when stored in the refrigerator, so you may want to add the dressing just before serving. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other vegetables, such as cucumbers, peppers, onions, and olives, which won’t release their juices as quickly. To ensure the best flavor and texture, you may want to add the tomatoes just before serving.
What To Serve With Tomato Salad
- Grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. The acidity of the tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the meats and the fresh herbs add a nice complementary flavor.
- Pasta dishes such as spaghetti with meat sauce or lasagna. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heavier pasta dishes.
- Grilled vegetables or skewers.
- Greek-style dishes such as gyros or souvlaki.
- For sandwiches or burgers, it pairs well with a variety of proteins such as chicken, beef or even veggie patties.
- It can also be served as a healthy side dish next to some protein such as a hard-boiled egg, grilled chicken or a simple protein like canned tuna or salmon.
- This tomato salad also pairs well with bread, crackers, or crostini. The dressing of the salad is perfect for dipping.
Recipe Variations
- Mozzarella and basil: Add diced fresh mozzarella cheese and extra fresh basil to the salad for a creamy and flavorful twist.
- Caprese Salad: Add fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and sometimes fresh basil pesto and balsamic glaze for a sweeter twist.
- Cucumber and Feta: Add diced cucumber and crumbled feta cheese for a refreshing and salty contrast.
- Avocado and Lime: Add diced avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a creamy and citrusy flavor.
- Bell Pepper and Onion: Add diced bell pepper and red onion for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Roasted tomatoes salad: Add some oven-roasted tomatoes to the salad for a more concentrated tomato flavor and a smoky touch.
- Black Olive and Anchovy: Add some chopped black olives and anchovy fillets for a salty and bold Mediterranean twist.
- Grilled Tomato Salad: Grilling the tomatoes, onions and bell pepper before adding to the salad give a smoky flavor and a slight char, it gives a great contrast with the dressing.
Vegan, Keto, And Gluten-free Version Of Tomato Salad
- Vegan Tomato Salad: This delicious vegan tomato salad is a healthy and flavorful dish made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. The dressing is a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a perfect summertime side dish that comes together quickly and easily.
- Keto Tomato Salad: This tasty keto tomato salad is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and herbs. The dressing is a creamy combination of olive oil, mayonnaise, and mustard. This low-carb salad is a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-free Tomato Salad: This gluten-free tomato salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. The dressing is a light blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This tasty dish is perfect for those who are avoiding gluten in their diet.
Recipe Substitutes
- Tomatoes: If tomatoes are not in season or not available, you can use cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or canned tomatoes as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on the type of tomato used.
- Red Onion: If you don’t have red onion on hand, you can use sweet onions, yellow onions or even shallots as a substitute.
- Basil: If you don’t have basil, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- Balsamic Vinegar: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute, it’s recommended to use 1/4 teaspoon of powder for every 1 clove of fresh garlic.
- Salt & pepper: Use your preference of salt, like Himalayan or sea salt, same with pepper, like black or white pepper.
Other Dressings To Use
- Vinaigrette: A classic vinaigrette is made with a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice), and can be flavored with herbs, mustard, shallots, honey or a sweeter substance, it can also be a great substitution for the olive oil and balsamic dressing.
- Yogurt: Mixing plain yogurt with herbs, garlic, lemon juice and a pinch of salt can make a tangy and creamy dressing.
- Ranch: Mixing a store-bought or homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, can make a delicious and creamy dressing.
- Green goddess: A green goddess dressing is made with yogurt, mayo, and lots of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon, and basil, give a nice contrast in flavor to the salad.
- Lemon-tahini: Mixing lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and a little water can make a creamy, tangy, and nutty dressing.
How Long Should I Let The Salad Sit Before Serving
Allow the salad to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
What Type Of Tomatoes Should I Use For A Tomato Salad
For a tomato salad, it is best to use ripe and juicy tomatoes such as cherry, grape, or heirloom varieties.
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Pioneer Woman Tomato Salad Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 225
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 67mg
- Potassium: 238mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 0.9g
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 225
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Sodium 67mg3%
- Potassium 238mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 7.7g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 0.9g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
