Description

This vibrant bruschetta dip combines juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, garlic, and a zesty olive oil-balsamic dressing for a scoopable, no-cook appetizer that tastes like spring in a bowl. Perfect for Valentine’s Day parties or any festive gathering, it’s quick to make and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, diced (about 1 lb)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed, sliced thin
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: pinch red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, grated parmesan, diced roasted red peppers

Instructions

Wash and dry cherry tomatoes, then dice into small pieces (about 1/4-inch). If very juicy, scoop out some seeds. Place in a mixing bowl.
Stack basil leaves, roll up, and slice thinly. Add to bowl.
Finely dice red onion and add to bowl.
Mince garlic cloves (or use a garlic press) and add to bowl.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over vegetables. Zest lemon directly into bowl, then squeeze in juice of half the lemon.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Optional: Let dip sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Spoon into serving bowl, garnish with extra basil or parmesan if desired, and serve with crostini, crackers, or veggie dippers.

Notes

For best flavor, use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes. Letting the dip rest before serving allows flavors to meld. Chop ingredients small for scoopable texture. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor. Can be customized with mozzarella, avocado, feta, olives, or beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 70
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 150
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 0.7
Carbohydrates: 6
Fiber: 1
Protein: 1

Keywords: bruschetta dip, Valentine’s Day appetizer, fresh tomato dip, party dip, vegan appetizer, gluten-free, easy appetizer, basil, olive oil, healthy dip