Sicilian Tomato Salad (Aeolian Tomato Salad Recipe)

The Aeolian tomato salad is one of Sicily’s simplest and most beloved summer dishes. Sweet tomatoes, red onions, capers, olives, anchovies, oregano, and basil come together in a salad that tastes unmistakably Mediterranean. Like many Italian recipes, its beauty lies in the quality of just a handful of seasonal ingredients.

tomato salad with onions

WHAT IS AEOLIAN TOMATO SALAD?

This traditional tomato salad comes from the Aeolian Islands, the volcanic archipelago just off Sicily’s northern coast. Served throughout the summer, it often accompanies grilled fish, crusty bread, or a leisurely seaside lunch. Every family prepares it slightly differently, but tomatoes, capers, oregano, and olive oil are always at its heart.

tomato and red onion salad on a red fine china plate

THE SECRET IS TIME

Like many Italian salads, this one should never be served immediately.

Allowing it to rest for a couple of hours gives the herbs time to perfume the tomatoes and lets all the flavours blend together. For the same reason, avoid serving it straight from the refrigerator. Cold temperatures dull both aroma and flavour, while room temperature allows every ingredient to express its full character.

Traditionally, Aeolian tomato salad is prepared with sweet red onions—ideally Tropea onions—green olives, capers, anchovies, fresh oregano, and basil.

If Tropea onions aren’t available, any sweet red onion works beautifully. Fresh oregano gives the brightest aroma, although dried oregano is perfectly acceptable and commonly used in Italian homes.

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tomato salad recipe

Course authentic Italian recipes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Author Claudia Rinaldi | Gourmet Project

Ingredients

  • 5-6 medium red salad tomatoes
  • 1 handful green olives
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 tropea onion or red onion
  • 4-5 anchovies
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh oregano or 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
  • 6-8 basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pit the olives. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Finely chop the anchovies. Finely chop the oregano and basil leaves.

  2. Thinly slice the tomatoes. Add the olives, capers, onion, herbs, and anchovies. And salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Season with olive oil and vinegar.

  4. Mix and enjoy!

Enjoy your Italian tomato salad!

Claudia