| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 176 | 9.8g | 1.4g | 23.6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11.4g | 2.9g | 3.9g | 0.41g |
One of my all-time favorite vegetable-based dishes to whip up is the refreshing Pearl Onion and Cherry Tomato Salad. As a New England native, my heart will always belong to our seafood specialties, but this delightful salad presents an exciting detour from the expected. It’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color, and serves as a beautiful, healthy side dish for any meal. Let me tell you, my two daughters Erin and Samantha could hardly wait for me to finish making it before they wanted to dive right in.
A Healthful Heaven in a Bowl
This Pearl Onion and Cherry Tomato Salad isn’t merely a feast for the eyes, it also packs a nutritious punch. The fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C and lycopene. Pearl onions, while small in size, also bring a notable amount of Vitamin C, fiber, and folic acid to this salad. Adding the tangy fresh lemon juice and zest, which is loaded with immune-boosting Vitamins A and C, and it’s easy to see how this salad helps boost overall wellness [Source: Healthline, Better Homes & Gardens].
But it’s not all about the health benefits of this dish. Oh no, what makes it truly special is its distinctive blend of flavors and textures. The satisfying crunch of the cherry tomatoes and pearl onions, the aroma and taste of fresh basil, all brought together with the zestiness of lemon and the silkiness of olive oil. This salad is a dance of different sensory experiences, a celebration of simple, earthly delights on a plate.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
Given its light, refreshing nature, our Pearl Onion and Cherry Tomato Salad pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of dishes. It can accompany any protein – like a bountiful, buttery Maine lobster roll I’m particularly fond of, or maybe a hearty, warm bowl of New England clam chowder. It also effortlessly complements pasta and risotto dishes with its lighter flavor profile and pop of fresh summery taste [Food & Wine].
So, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or want to elevate your regular weeknight dinner, try this recipe. This salad doesn’t just nourish you, it teases your senses, dazzles your palate, and leaves you craving more. The Pearl Onion and Cherry Tomato Salad is that simple bliss we all deserve to experience. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Pearl Onions, peeled
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the pearl onions and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the pearl onions to the pan and cook until tender and golden brown. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step Three
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the pearl onions. Stir well to combine and cook for a further 3-5 minutes. The tomatoes should just begin to break down.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and black pepper. Stir well until the salt has fully dissolved.
Step Five
Remove the pan from the heat. Slowly drizzle the lemon juice mixture over the pearl onions and cherry tomatoes, stirring well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh basil over the salad, and give one last gentle stir to combine. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.
Step Seven
Enjoy your homemade pearl onion and cherry tomato salad as a tasty and refreshing side dish.
