15 Minute Cherry Tomato Onion Salad Recipe

My mother was Sicilian, and although she passed away when I was very young, I vividly remember that there was always a salad on the dinner table, and this tomato onion salad was in regular rotation. It’s a simple salad of marinated tomatoes and onions. No fresh herbs or fancying it up.

Ready in less than 15 minutes, ripe cherry tomatoes and a few pantry ingredients are all you need. It’s light and refreshing, and one of my go-to summer salad recipes. It’s also dairy-free, making it perfect for outdoor dinner parties and lighter BBQ sides.

For more fresh tomato recipes, my pasta salad with bacon and tomatoes has been a family favorite for over 20 years, and I’m incredibly proud of this tomato vinaigrette recipe, which is currently the most popular recipe on the blog!

Summer is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already excited about weekend mornings at the local farmers’ market and all the gorgeous summer tomatoes. And, also like me, you’ll probably come home with way too many and find yourself wondering what to do with cherry tomatoes. And I say cherry tomatoes specifically because I have no restraint and buy enough for seven people even though there are only two of us!

Of course, you can eat them just as they are — and honestly, you should. A perfectly ripe tomato with a little salt is perfection. But what’s not to love about a simple summer salad you can have on the table in less than 15 minutes? This and a grilled steak with a glass of Chardonnay? Yes please!

Cherry Tomato Onion Salad

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When temperatures start pushing 90° and above, we fully lean into light, healthy recipes that can be packed for cold lunches. My husband works outside, and during the summer, the last thing he wants is a hot lunch. To make it a little more filling, he loves it when I add cooked shrimp. I’ll give you some more ideas below!

Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

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Both are super popular in summer because they grow well in warm weather and produce tons of fruit throughout the tomato season. Cherry tomatoes are usually rounder, juicier, and slightly sweeter, making them perfect for fresh summer salads, while grape tomatoes have a firmer texture and meatier bite that works well for pasta salads and snacking. Here are some popular varieties:

• Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes are extra sweet, juicy, and classic “summer tomato” with thin skin.
• Sungold tomatoes are bright orange with an ultra-sweet, tropical flavor and soft, juicy texture.
• Black cherry tomatoes have a rich, slightly smoky flavor, deep sweetness, and a tender bite.
• Yellow Pear tomatoes are mild, less acidic, and lightly sweet with a soft texture.
• Chocolate Sprinkles are sweet and complex with a firm, meaty texture and deep color.
• Gardener’s Delight tomatoes have a balanced sweet-tart flavor with a juicy texture.
• Isis Candy tomatoes are fruity and very sweet with beautiful marbled coloring and juicy flesh.
• Supersweet 100 tomatoes are intensely sweet, crisp, and highly productive during summer.

I like using a variety of cherry tomatoes for different flavors and textures. Plus, it makes the salad prettier 😉

Step-by-Step Instructions

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From start to finish, you can have this tomato salad on the table in 15 minutes. See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full instructions.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix a simple salad dressing consisting of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. When a recipe has only a few ingredients, good-quality ingredients matter. Grab your best olive oil. I used this one for this recipe.
2. Next, prep the onions by slicing them into very thin strips. The thinner, the better, so they break down quickly in the dressing. I highly recommend using a mandolin for this and wearing cut-resistant gloves for added safety.
3. Add the onions to the dressing, and move on to the tomatoes. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, leaving the smaller ones whole for no other reason than it makes a nicer presentation.
4. Add the tomatoes and onions to the dressing, then give it a good stir. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper to your liking, and that’s it!
5. You can serve this immediately; however, I highly recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The tomatoes will begin to break down and release their juices, which are packed with flavor. I’ll give you some ideas for how to serve this below.
6. Just before serving, taste and adjust the salt and pepper one last time!

Tips for Success

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• Tomatoes do the heavy lifting in this recipe, so it’s important to choose perfectly ripe ones. I think cherry tomatoes make a beautiful presentation, but I’ve made this with virtually every type of tomato.
• Some delicious add-ins would be fresh parsley or basil, capers, olives, or feta. For added protein, I’ve added cooked shrimp. Have fun with it!
• Raw red onion can have a strong flavor. Slicing them paper-thin and letting them hang out in the vinegar and olive oil will help them break down and mellow the onion’s sharp bite.
• I don’t recommend making it the day before, as I think tomato texture goes downhill, but you could make it earlier in the day, let it hang out in the fridge, and transfer it to the counter about an hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

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• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for an easy summer dinner.
• Spoon over toasted sourdough or crostini to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Pair with BBQ sides like burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, or grilled corn.
• Toss with chickpeas, white beans, or lentils for a light protein-packed lunch.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous to absorb the extra dressing and juices.
• Use as a topping for grilled steak, fish tacos, or chicken wraps.
• Serve chilled at outdoor dinner parties or potlucks as a refreshing side dish.
• Toss with cooked pasta, olives, and feta for a Greek-inspired pasta salad.
• Serve with hummus, pita, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired plate.

And that’s it, friends. I hope you love this tomato onion salad as much as we do!