Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad
A bright, briny salad where Aperol's citrusy bitterness balances ripe tomatoes and olives, perfect for summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs chopped heirloom tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, thinly sliced fresh basil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, chopped heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp capers
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup chopped heirloom tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, then toss gently to mix.
- Step 2: Whisk 1 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp capers, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified, then pour over the tomato mixture.
- Step 3: Toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated, then let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Aperol-Infused Tomato & Herb Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
