Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most beautiful. This traditional Greek tomato and onion salad (Domatosalata) is a perfect example. With just a few fresh ingredients—tomatoes, red onions, basil, and olive oil—you can create a vibrant and delicious salad that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavour.
If you’re looking for another salad, try my Greek lettuce salad Maroulosalata or my traditional Greek salad recipe.
Jump to:
What is Domatosalata?
Domatosalata (or sometimes spelled Ntomatosalata) is a simple Greek village style tomato salad, like a laid-back version of traditional Greek salad. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, onions, basil, and olive oil. In fact, this is a super easy, refreshing side dish you’ll find in Greek homes and tavernas, perfect for summer days when you want something light and full of flavour!
Why You Will Love This Greek Tomato Salad
- Super simple: Just a handful of ingredients, and you’ve got a tasty salad in no time.
- Packed with fresh flavours: Juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and basil all come together for a burst of Mediterranean goodness.
- So versatile: Whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or paired with some crusty bread, this salad fits in perfectly.
- Healthy and light: Naturally gluten-free and full of fresh veggies, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Quick to make: You’ll have this salad ready in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients Overview
Let’s take a quick look at the simple, fresh ingredients that make this salad so irresistible. And remember, the ingredient quantities can be found down below in the recipe card!
- Tomatoes: Juicy and fresh, tomatoes are the heart of this salad. To ensure the best texture and flavour, choose firm, ripe tomatoes.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and a bit of crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil: Brings a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the salad.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the salad its signature Mediterranean richness.
- Oregano: Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness, tying the flavours together.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust both to taste. Pepper adds a little extra kick, enhancing the flavours even more.
How to make domatosalata step by step
Here’s exactly how to make this salad, step by step—it’s easy, fresh, and sure to be delicious! Just follow along with the photos below, numbered to match each instruction.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Start by cutting the tomatoes into wedges. If they’re large, slice them into bite-sized pieces so that they are easier to eat.
- Slice the onion: Next, thinly slice the red onion into beautiful half-moon shapes. This will add a nice crunch to your salad!
- Combine the veggies: In a large serving bowl, mix the tomatoes and onions together. At this point, It’s already looking good!
- Add the basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and toss them into the salad. If the leaves are too big, give them a quick chop to keep the pieces manageable.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Now, drizzle that delicious olive oil all over the vegetables. Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste—it’s that simple.
- Toss it all together: Gently toss everything until the tomatoes, onions, and basil are well coated with olive oil and seasoning. You’re ready to serve!
How to Choose the Best Tomatoes for This Salad
Picking the right tomatoes is super important for this salad! Here are some easy tips to make sure you get the best ones:
- Firm but juicy: You want tomatoes that are firm but give just a little when you press them, this keeps the salad from getting mushy.
- Go for colour: Look for tomatoes that are a bright, deep red. The more vibrant the colour, the better they’ll taste!
- Check the skin: Make sure the skin is smooth without any wrinkles or cracks—that’s a sign the tomato is nice and fresh.
- Smell them: Give them a sniff! Fresh tomatoes should have a sweet, earthy smell. If there's no smell, they might not be as flavourful.
Tips for making this salad
- Don’t overdo the salt: Start with a little salt and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it out!
- Serve at room temperature: This salad tastes even better when it’s not too cold. Let it sit out for a few minutes after preparing, so that the flavours can meld.
- Use quality olive oil: Since this recipe is simple, high-quality olive oil will really elevate the flavour.
- Make it fresh: While you can prepare this salad in advance, it’s best enjoyed fresh so the tomatoes and onions stay crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with Anything: This salad is great alongside grilled lamb, chicken souvlaki, or fish—whatever you’re in the mood for!
- Soak It Up: Don’t forget to grab a slice of my crusty bread to mop up all those delicious juices.
- Light & Refreshing: Looking for something fresh? This salad makes a great side to balance out rich meals.
FAQs
It’s pronounced doh-mah-toh-sah-LAH-tah—super simple, right? It just means "tomato salad" in Greek!
Yep! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
You can, but it’s best fresh! If you make it in advance, keep the tomatoes and onions separate until you’re ready to serve.
It’s probably those overripe tomatoes! Stick with firm, fresh ones to avoid the mush.
I hope you enjoy making this simple and flavourful Greek tomato and onion salad! It’s a fresh, healthy dish that pairs well with so many meals. If you try it, let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Greek Tomato And Onion Salad (Domatosalata)
Ingredients
- 4 Tomatoes Medium sized
- 1 Red onion Medium sized
- 5 grams Fresh basil
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges. If they are large, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the tomatoes and red onion.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves, chopping them slightly if needed to keep the pieces manageable, and add to the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes, onions, and basil are well coated with olive oil and seasoning.
Notes
- Onion Preparation: For a milder flavour, you can soak the red onion slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. Drain well before use.
- Cucumbers: If you'd like to add cucumbers to the salad, thinly slice them and toss them with the tomatoes and onions. The cucumbers will add extra crunch and freshness to the dish.
- Red Wine Vinegar: If you add cucumbers, a splash of red wine vinegar can elevate the flavour and add a pleasant acidity.
- Tomato Tip: Avoid cutting the tomatoes too small or using tomatoes that are too ripe. Both of these mistakes can lead to a mushy salad.
Leave a Reply