Tomato, Ham, and Onion Salad – Ensalada de tomate con jamón
We Are Bringing Back another timeless Classic salad Recipe This Summer – Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón 🇪🇸 🍅
Bright, bold, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón is a timeless Spanish classic that proves the magic of simple ingredients done right. Juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes meet the savory richness of thinly sliced jamón, all lifted by the sharp bite of fresh onion and a drizzle of golden olive oil.
This rustic salad is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of summer, of sharing, and of the effortless elegance found in traditional Spanish kitchens. Whether served as a light lunch or the perfect start to a tapas spread, this dish brings a taste of Spain to your table in every vibrant bite.
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Serving:
Side 4 / Main 2
Ready in:
5 Minutes
Skill level:
Very Easy
Serve with:
White wine, red wine, or Rose
Watch step-by-step recipe video
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How to Make Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad – Ensalada de tomate con jamón
Ingredients
For the salad
- 100g serrano ham (or Jamon Iberico if you prefer)
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- ½ white onion
- 2 Tbsp Giant Capers (caper berries) (alcaparones)
For the dressing
- Good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sherry Vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large serving plate or Serving platter
- Wooden cutting board
- Chef knife
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Salad serving spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by adding the dressing ingredients to a small bowl. Mix for 30 seconds or until combined. Taste and add seasoning as required.
- Wash and slice the tomatoes into rounds about ½ inch thick. Arrange around the plate or platter.
- Break apart the ham with your hands and place it on top of the tomatoes
- Slice the ½ onion into thin half rounds and arrange on top of the ham and tomatoes
- Garnish with some giant capers, drizzle with the dressing, and serve!
Origins of Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad
The Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad (Ensalada de tomate con jamón) has strong roots in Spanish cuisine, particularly as part of the country’s tradition of simple, ingredient-forward dishes that highlight regional produce and cured meats.
Likely Origin: Andalusia or Broader Southern Spain
This type of tomato salad closely resembles variations of “ensalada andaluza” (Andalusian salad), where ripe tomatoes, cured ham (like jamón serrano or jamón ibérico), and raw onions are common ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Spain grows many tomato varieties, and they are a staple in its cuisine.
- Jamón: Cured ham like jamón serrano or jamón ibérico is a national treasure.
- Onion: Often sliced thinly and added raw, providing sharpness.
- Olive oil & vinegar: Typically drizzled over as a dressing.
- Capers: An optional addition, capers add a little crunch and lovely tang to this recipe
What ham to use
For Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón, the best ham to use is Jamón Serrano or Jamón Ibérico. Both are Traditional Spanish options and provide plenty of saltiness and flavor. We used Jamón Ibérico for this recipe, and it turned out wonderfully.
These are the most authentic choices for this Spanish salad:
- Jamón Serrano: Dry-cured Spanish ham with a slightly salty, deep flavor. It’s more affordable and widely available than jamón ibérico.
- Jamón Ibérico: A premium, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth ham made from Iberian pigs. Use this if you want a luxurious, authentic touch.
🛒 Alternatives if Spanish ham isn’t available:
- Prosciutto (Italy): A great substitute with a similar texture and saltiness to jamón serrano.
- Speck: A smoked, dry-cured ham from Northern Italy. It adds a smoky twist.
- Country ham (USA): Very salty and intense; best used in small amounts and sliced thin.
Tips:
- Slice the ham very thinly, ideally shaved or torn by hand.
- Serve it at room temperature to bring out its full flavor.
- Avoid cooked or deli-style ham—it lacks the depth and texture of cured varieties.
Best tomatoes to use
This is a classic summer recipe, and it’s best to use whatever ripe and juicy tomatoes you can find locally. The key is they should be very ripe (but not mushy) and loaded with juice and flavor.
Here are a few good options:
🍅 Heirloom or Vine-Ripened Tomatoes
These varieties offer the rich flavor, juiciness, and vibrant color that make this salad shine.
Top Choices:
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Deeply flavorful, sweet, and often irregularly shaped—perfect for a rustic Spanish salad.
- Campari Tomatoes: Small, round, and juicy with balanced sweetness and acidity.
- Beefsteak Tomatoes: Large and meaty; ideal if you want thick slices.
- Roma (Plum) Tomatoes: Less juicy but rich in flavor; great if you want a firmer texture.
- Tomate Rosa (Spain): If you’re in Spain or near a specialty grocer, look for these—large, pinkish, very sweet, and low in acidity.
Giant Capers – Alcaparones
Giant capers, also known as caper berries, make a great addition to this salad as they offer a sweet, slightly bitter tang with just a little crunch. Giant capers are widely used in salads in Spain and are readily available in most supermarkets.
Outside of Spain, any decent Mediterranean food store should stock them, and they are also available online. If you can’t source giant capers, normal capers will also work well for this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Ensalada de Tomate con Jamón (per serving)
Nutrient |
Amount |
% Daily Value (DV) |
Calories |
305 kcal |
15% |
Total Fat |
21 g |
27% |
• Saturated Fat |
5 g |
25% |
• Monounsaturated Fat |
13 g |
— |
• Polyunsaturated Fat |
1.5 g |
— |
Cholesterol |
40 mg |
13% |
Sodium |
1,300 mg |
57% |
Total Carbohydrates |
9 g |
3% |
• Dietary Fiber |
2 g |
7% |
• Sugars |
6 g |
— |
Protein |
20 g |
40% |
Vitamin A |
1,000 IU |
20% |
Vitamin C |
22 mg |
25% |
Calcium |
35 mg |
3% |
Iron |
1.2 mg |
7% |
Potassium |
580 mg |
12% |
🔍 Breakdown of Key Ingredients (per serving):
- Jamón Serrano (50g): High in protein and sodium, moderate in fat (especially saturated).
- Tomatoes (1 large): Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, A, and potassium.
- White Onion (¼): Adds minor carbs and fiber, plus antioxidant compounds.
- Caper Berries (1 Tbsp): High in sodium, but flavorful and low in calories.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Sherry Vinegar: Negligible calories, adds tang and depth.
More Spanish Tapas Recipes:
- White Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Fennel
- Spanish Garlic Shrimp with Manchego Cheese and Rosemary
- Pan-Fried Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chili
- Gambas al Pil Pil Garlic Prawns with Chili
- Seafood Pipirrana Salad
- Chicken Meatballs with Almond Sauce
- Mushrooms Stuffed with Chorizo
Spanish Tomato Salad
Ensalad de Tomate
Spanish Pan Con Tomate
Pa amb Tomàquet
Baked Cod with Tomatoes & Chickpeas
Easy One-Pan Recipe
Tomato, Ham, and Onion salad - Ensalada de tomate con jamón
Equipment
- Large serving plate or Serving platter
- Wooden cutting board
- Chef knife
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Salad serving spoons
Ingredients
For the salad
- 100 g serrano ham or Jamon Iberico if you prefer
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- ½ white onion
- 2 Tbsp Giant Capers caper berries (alcaparones)
For the dressing
- Good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sherry Vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by adding the dressing ingredients to a small bowl. Mix for 30 seconds or until combined. Taste and add seasoning as required.Good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sherry Vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste
- Wash and slice the tomatoes into rounds about ½ inch thick. Arrange around the plate or platter.2 large ripe tomatoes
- Break apart the ham with your hands and place it on top of the tomatoes100 g serrano ham
- Slice the ½ onion into thin half rounds and arrange on top of the ham and tomatoes½ white onion
- Garnish with some giant capers, drizzle with the dressing, and serve!2 Tbsp Giant Capers
Video
Notes
Authentic choices for this Spanish salad:
- Jamón Serrano: Dry-cured Spanish ham with a slightly salty, deep flavor. It’s more affordable and widely available than jamón ibérico.
- Jamón Ibérico: A premium, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth ham made from Iberian pigs. Use this if you want a luxurious, authentic touch.
🛒 Alternatives if Spanish ham isn’t available:
- Prosciutto (Italy): A great substitute with a similar texture and saltiness to jamón serrano.
- Speck: A smoked, dry-cured ham from Northern Italy. It adds a smoky twist.
Love this recipe?
Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite Spanish recipe!
I am drooling after seeing this recipe! Just wow!
So simple yet so good! Glad you like it and thanks for commenting!