Aperol-Orange Tomato Salad
A bright, refreshing salad featuring juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, dressed in a light Aperol vinaigrette that enhances natural sweetness. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs Cherry tomatoes, Fresh basil, Aperol 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 150 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
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp White balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Halve 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes and arrange in a bowl, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 2: In a small jar, combine 1 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Seal and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and basil, then toss gently until evenly coated and the tomatoes are glistening with the dressing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Orange Tomato Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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-Orange Tomato 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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Orange Tomato 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-Orange Tomato 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.
What goes well with Aperol-Orange Tomato Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
