servings
6 – 8 as side
total time
20 mins
great for
suitable for
GF, Vegan
servings
6 – 8 as side
total time
20 mins
great for
suitable for
GF, Vegan
When it comes to Christmas feasts, it’s easy to get caught up in all the rich, indulgent dishes. But every festive spread needs a fresh, tangy counterpoint to balance out the flavours. Enter our Christmas Red Tomato Salad, a vibrant and healthy addition that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Looking for more Christmas food inspiration? Click here to see our other recipes.
Amidst the hearty roasts and decadent desserts, this light and healthy salad offers a refreshing flavour that complements the heavier dishes. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, tomatoes and red onions make it as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, that standout gorgeous, festive red colour ensures this salad will immediately catch the eye.
The magic lies in its tangy and tasty dressing, which enhances the natural flavours of the tomatoes and onions, adding a delightful zing to every bite. Letting the salad marinate allows the flavours to meld beautifully, making it even more flavourful. Prepare it a little ahead of time for the best results.
This salad catches the eye with its bright festive red colour.
What Does Our Red Tomato Salad Go With?
One of our Mum’s staple recipes, we’ve been enjoying this tomato salad year-round since we were kids. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas buffet, a casual holiday gathering, or even a Christmas in July celebration, this salad fits right in.
It’s quick and easy to prepare and can be made well in advance, making it a hassle-free addition to your menu. Plus, the fresh flavours and festive appearance make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will appreciate.
A great accompaniment for pasta dishes, such as our Christmas Fettuccine or Ham Mac’N’Cheese. Serve it alongside a Christmas green salad for a classic red-and-green theme. Or leave it to marinate in the fridge and use it as more of a salsa-style dish with loaded leftover turkey nachos and festive guacamole.
Festively Coordinated Red and Green Christmas Salads Make A Statement On The Table
Tips for the Best Christmas Red Tomato Salad
A few of our top tips for making this festive tomato salad. Let us know in the comments below if you have any other questions or tips for how you would make it your own.
Choose ripe tomatoes: Opt for the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best flavour. We like the combination of cherry and large tomatoes. However, this salad works well with whatever fresh tomatoes you have to hand.
Adjust dressing to taste: Use good quality olive oil for the dressing. Red wine vinegar can be substituted for sherry, champagne or even balsamic vinegar if preferred. Add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing if the tomatoes are not fully ripe, or if you like a sweeter dressing.
Leave to marinate: Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes if possible. It’ll taste best when served at room temperature.
Store overnight: Unlike most salads, this one can be dressed and kept in the fridge overnight. As the dressing melds with the tomatoes and tenderises the onions, it’ll take on a salsa-like quality and often taste even more delicious.
Use the juiciest tomatoes you can find.
Red Tomato & Onion Salad Recipe
Christmas Red Tomato Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 6 medium-large red tomatoes
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp honey [optional]
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the other tomatoes into similar sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Mix the tomatoes and onion together in a bowl.
- Prepare the dressing in an old jam jar or other container and shake well to combine. Pour over the tomato and onion and toss well.
- Ideally leave to stand for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to develop.
Notes
A little note: Our recipes are based on our own experiences and shared for inspiration and enjoyment. Results may vary. Please check ingredients and allergens, follow appropriate food safety guidance and use your own judgement when preparing them. For more information, please see our Disclaimer.
More Recipe Ideas:
If you enjoyed this Christmas Red Tomato Salad recipe, you might like these too:
- Winter Salad With Apples & Cranberries
- Christmas Fettuccine: Harness Your Inner Kate Winslet
- Christmas Caprese: Tomato & Mozzarella Candy Cane
And be sure to check out our Complete Meals Library for all sorts of Christmas and Winter flavours and inspiration.
Add our Christmas Red Tomato Salad to your holiday menu for a fresh, festive, and flavourful dish that complements all your Christmas favourites. Its vibrant colour, healthy ingredients, and tangy dressing make it a standout side that your guests will love. What other festive salads do you love to make?
