Dinner

Tomato and Onion Salad with Capers and Fresh Herb Dressing Recipe

ByClara Bennett October 12, 2026October 12, 2026

Introduction

This fresh and vibrant Tomato and Onion Salad is a flavorful way to celebrate ripe tomatoes. With a tangy homemade dressing and the bright crunch of onions and capers, it’s perfect as a side or a light meal.

A white bowl filled with a fresh tomato salad showing multiple layers: the base layer has thick slices of red and yellow tomatoes with smooth, juicy textures, followed by thin slices of purple onions spread unevenly, and small pieces of green basil leaves sprinkled on top adding a fresh contrast. Some capers dot the salad, adding small dark green spots. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side with slight marks of the salad dressing on the bowl. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled background are a small white bowl with coarse salt above, a few sprigs of basil leaves on the left, and a beige striped cloth on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds tomatoes, cut into wedges
½ small red onion, thinly sliced (or 1 shallot)
1 ½ tablespoons capers, drained
3 tablespoons fresh basil (or substitute dill, cilantro, or parsley)
¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
1 small tomato, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by roughly chopping the small tomato. Place the chopped tomato, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and kosher salt into a blender or mason jar.
Step 2: Blend the mixture until smooth, leaving the tomato seeds in for added flavor but removing the cores.
Step 3: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 4: In a large serving bowl, combine the cut tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, capers, and fresh herbs.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
Step 6: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread, your favorite protein, or pasta.

Tips & Variations

Swap basil for dill, cilantro, or parsley to change the herb flavor.
Use shallots instead of red onion for a milder taste.
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving. The fresh tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, so avoid storing the combined salad for too long to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a fresh salad in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the base is made of vibrant red and yellow tomato wedges with glossy, juicy textures, the middle layer has thin slices of purple-red onion adding sharp contrast, and the top layer has small green basil leaf strips and capers scattered throughout, giving a fresh and herby look. A silver spoon is partially immersed on the right side, mixing into the colorful salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use any ripe tomatoes such as heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes. Just adjust the chopping size accordingly for even flavor distribution.