Go Back
Easy Tomato Salad Recipe

Easy Tomato Salad Recipe - Freshly Ingredients

Let’s be honest; sometimes, you just crave something refreshing and simple, right? This easy tomato salad recipe delivers on both fronts. Growing up in an Italian household, I often saw tomatoes highlighted, fresh from the garden. This dish reminds me of those sunny afternoons, enjoying a meal in the warm breeze. It’s more than just a salad—it's a celebration of summer bounty.
You see, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a barbecue with friends, this tomato salad is your go-to solution. It’s straight to the point, quick to prepare, and oh-so-satisfying. With just a handful of high-quality ingredients, you can whip up something that looks as good as it tastes. And it’s versatile! Swap in your favorite additions or keep it classic, either way, it shines.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound mixed ripe tomatoes 1 large, 2 medium, or 3 small, cut into bite-sized wedges
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion from about ½ small onion
  • ¼ cup freshly sliced basil ribbons or whole basil leaves; you can swap with parsley, dill, or chives
  • 2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rich balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of balsamic glaze
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt to taste
Flavorful Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced or diced
  • ½ English cucumber or 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
  • A handful of baby arugula leaves for a peppery kick
  • 1 torn fresh mozzarella ball or mini mozzarella pearls
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts for that nutty crunch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest to brighten things up

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. First things first, line up your ingredients. Grab ripe tomatoes from the market—trust me, they’re the stars here. Fresh herbs are your supporting actors, enhancing every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
  1. Wash and cut your tomatoes into wedges. The mix of different varieties adds color and dimension. For the cherry tomatoes, simply slice them in half. The more, the merrier!
Step 3: Chop the Onion
  1. Next, finely chop the red onion. It adds a wonderful bite to the salad. To soften the flavor a little, you could soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes. This step is optional but recommended for those sensitive to stronger onion tastes.
Step 4: Slice Your Herbs
  1. If you’re using basil (or any other fresh herbs), slice them into ribbons. Keep it light and airy. You’re aiming for a salad, not a minestrone soup, right?
Step 5: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped onions, and herbs. Toss them gently. You want them mingling without turning into mush.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
  1. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. This is where the magic starts. It’s simple, but the right amount of oil and vinegar highlights the natural flavors. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Let It Rest
  1. Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This gives time for the flavors to meld. It's like letting a fine wine breathe!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Lastly, transfer your salad into a serving bowl. If you’ve chosen any optional add-ins—avocado slices, cucumbers, or mozzarella—gently place them on top. Voilà! You've created a beautiful dish that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Notes

  • Choose ripe tomatoes: This is key. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and give slightly to gentle pressure. They should have a deep color and fragrance.
  • Use fresh herbs: The fresher, the better. They brighten the dish and add layers of flavor. Dried herbs can’t quite compare.
  • Keep it cold: Serve the salad chilled. If you have time, refrigerate it for about an hour before serving. It makes a difference.
  • Experiment with add-ins: Don’t hesitate to customize! Add roasted veggies, different cheese, or nuts. Make it yours.
  • Make it ahead of time: This salad lasts well in the fridge for a day. Brian and I love prepping it the night before a gathering; it tastes even better after the flavors meld together.