The secret to my best tomato salad isn’t about expensive or numerous ingredients, but how it’s put together. Instead of mixing a dressing separately, I sprinkle thick tomato wedges with minced garlic, shallots, and salt. Then, I drizzle olive oil and vinegar over them and gently toss everything. Finally, I add a sprinkle of fresh basil.
The result? The flavors cling to the tomatoes instead of sliding off like traditional dressings. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it.
Table of Contents
Why this is better?
As I mentioned earlier, what sets this tomato salad apart is the way it’s assembled. Instead of mixing a separate dressing, we sprinkle and drizzle thick tomato wedges with ingredients typically found in a dressing—olive oil, garlic, salt, and vinegar.
This method infuses the tomatoes with the flavors of garlic, shallots, and salt in a way that pouring a dressing over them simply can’t achieve.
Tools for this recipe
Recipe video:
Ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into wedges
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes into wedges and place them in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, then slice it into half-moons and toss it in with the tomatoes and onion.
Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs
Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and chop the parsley. Sprinkle both herbs over the vegetables in the bowl.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
If you like, add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives for an extra burst of flavor. Gently toss the salad again to distribute these additions evenly.
Step 5: Let it Marinate
For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the tomatoes to release their juices and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the tomato salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve your fresh tomato salad as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or enjoy it on its own with some crusty bread. It’s a perfect light and healthy option for any meal!
This tomato salad is simple, fresh, and bursting with the flavors of summer. Enjoy every bite.
Tomato salad nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| – Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 30% |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Iron | 8% |
Tomato salad health benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes provide lycopene and vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage and support a healthy immune system.
- Heart Health: Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation.
- Hydration: Cucumbers are rich in water, which helps keep you hydrated.
- Digestive Health: The dietary fiber from vegetables aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Bone Health: Basil and parsley provide small amounts of vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
storage instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, consume it as soon as possible.
- Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing it can alter the texture of the tomatoes and cucumbers, making them mushy.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions
Reheat instructions
- Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Refreshing: Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss and, if needed, add a splash of olive oil and vinegar to refresh the flavors.
Reuse Ideas:
- Bruschetta Topping: Use the tomato salad as a topping for toasted bread for a quick bruschetta.
- Pasta Salad: Mix the leftover tomato salad with cooked pasta for a light and refreshing pasta salad.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad for a more substantial meal.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Tomato Salad.
FAQ’s
Q. What is Tomato Salad?
Tomato salad is a simple, refreshing dish made with ripe tomatoes as the star ingredient. It’s usually tossed with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Q. What kind of tomatoes work best for a tomato salad?
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key. Heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes all work beautifully. For extra color and flavor, try using a mix of different varieties.
Q. Can I add other vegetables to my tomato salad?
Absolutely, Cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, or even avocado pair perfectly with tomatoes. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies.
Q. What’s the best dressing for tomato salad?
A simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing is a classic choice. You can also use red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even a creamy dressing like ranch for a different twist.
Q. How long does tomato salad last?
Tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the tomatoes can get mushy if they sit too long. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
Q. What proteins can I add to tomato salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or mozzarella cheese (like fresh burrata or bocconcini) are great options. For a vegetarian twist, add chickpeas or white beans for some extra heartiness.
