Aperol-Orange Vinaigrette with Heirloom Tomato Salad
A bright, zesty salad featuring heirloom tomatoes drizzled in a tangy Aperol vinaigrette with fresh herbs and a hint of sweetness. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs diced mixed heirloom tomatoes, Aperol, fresh orange juice 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 220 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
- 2 cups, diced mixed heirloom tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup, pitted kalamata olives
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is thickened and glossy, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gently toss 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives with 2 tbsp chopped basil in a medium bowl.
- Step 4: Pour 3 tbsp of the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss until every piece is evenly coated, adding more vinaigrette only if needed.
- Step 5: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Orange Vinaigrette with Heirloom Tomato 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-Orange Vinaigrette with Heirloom 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 diced mixed heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Orange Vinaigrette with Heirloom 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 Vinaigrette with Heirloom 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 Vinaigrette with Heirloom 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
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
