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.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American, Italian
Author: Siddhanath Metkari
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.
Nutrition information of tomato salad :
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Vitamin C | 28% DV |
| Vitamin A | 30% DV |
| Lycopene | High |
Nutrition is based on a salad with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, red onion, fresh herbs, and a pinch of sea salt.
💚Health Benefits of Tomato Salad:
- Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risks of heart disease and certain cancers. - Supports Heart Health
Olive oil and tomatoes make a heart-loving duo, improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. - Hydration Hero
Tomatoes are over 90% water, making this salad a refreshing way to stay hydrated. - Skin-Loving Nutrients
Lycopene and vitamin C help protect your skin from oxidative stress and keep it glowing. - Boosts Immunity
With plenty of vitamin C, this salad helps strengthen your immune system. - Supports Healthy Vision
Tomatoes contain beta-carotene and lutein, nutrients essential for eye health. - Gut-Friendly Fiber
The natural fiber in tomatoes supports digestive health and keeps things regular. - Low in Calories, High in Flavor
A bowl of tomato salad delivers satisfying flavor without piling on calories. - May Support Bone Health
Lycopene has been linked to better bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis. - Natural Detox Support
The antioxidants and hydration from this salad help flush out toxins and keep your system balanced.
🧊 Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator:
Best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. After that, the tomatoes can become mushy.
Tip: To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and only combine when ready to serve.
- Do Not Freeze:
Freezing tomato salad is not recommended as the texture will suffer once thawed.
🔁 Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
♻️ How to Reuse Leftovers Creatively:
- Tomato Bruschetta Topping
Spoon leftover tomato salad over toasted baguette slices with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. - Pasta Salad Booster
Mix the tomato salad into cold pasta with feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean twist. - Tomato Avocado Toast
Smash avocado on toast and top with leftover tomato salad for a quick breakfast or snack. - Savory Tomato Omelette
Stir the salad into beaten eggs for a flavorful veggie omelet. - Gazpacho Shortcut
Blend leftovers into a quick and refreshing gazpacho soup.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or focaccia.
- Enjoy with creamy burrata or mozzarella for an Italian-style starter.
- A perfect side to BBQ dishes or picnic spreads.
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.
