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Tomato, Red Onion, and Basil Bruschetta

This vibrant tomato, red onion, and basil bruschetta is a celebration of simple, high-quality Mediterranean ingredients. By using a mix of cherry and grape tomatoes, you achieve a beautiful contrast in colour and a balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sharp bite of red onion and aromatic fresh basil. Marinating the vegetables in balsamic vinegar and olive oil allows the natural juices to form a delicious dressing that soaks beautifully into the toasted bread.

As a versatile vegan starter or light lunch, this recipe swapped traditional baguette for fluffy focaccia to provide a more substantial, pillowy base. The secret to the deep flavour is rubbing the warm, grilled bread with fresh garlic, which provides a subtle savoury kick without overpowering the fresh herbs. Serve this dish as an elegant appetiser for a garden party or alongside a crisp green salad for a healthy, homemade midday meal.

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Ingredients for Tomato, Red Onion, and Basil Bruschetta

  • 475ml assorted cherry, grape, and teardrop tomatoes, halved (or quartered if large)

  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

  • 45ml olive oil plus additional for brushing

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 large loaf focaccia, halved horizontally (reserve half for another use)

  • 1 garlic clove, peeled, halved

How to make Tomato, Red Onion, and Basil Bruschetta

Combine halved tomatoes, finely chopped onion, 3 tablespoons olive oil, chopped fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar in medium bowl; season tomato topping with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Topping can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally.

Preheat grill. Place focaccia half, cut side up, on baking sheet; brush bread with olive oil. Toast bread in grill until top is golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning, about 2 minutes. Immediately rub cut side of bread all over with halved garlic, then cut focaccia crosswise into 4 equal pieces.

Top toasted focaccia with tomato mixture and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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