Summer calls for fresh, vibrant dishes that celebrate the season's best produce, and nothing beats a tomato salad recipe that showcases ripe, juicy tomatoes at their peak. This simple yet flavorful salad brings together garden-fresh tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a light dressing that lets the natural sweetness shine through. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ, need a quick side dish for dinner, or want something refreshing for a picnic, this easy tomato salad delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this tomato salad recipe proves that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients. You’ll love how the flavors in this fresh tomato salad meld together, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly refreshing. It’s the kind of easy tomato salad you'll want to make again and again.
Why You Will Love This Tomato Salad Recipe
This isn’t just another boring tomato salad. What makes this fresh tomato salad truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Unlike mayo-heavy dishes, this Mediterranean tomato salad is light, refreshing, and satisfying.
A variety of tomatoes adds color and depth, while fresh herbs like basil and parsley take this tomato salad recipe to the next level. Every bite is vibrant, juicy, and aromatic.
It’s a versatile tomato salad that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, works beautifully as a light tomato salad lunch, and never fails to impress at gatherings. You can easily customize your tomato salad with extra veggies, bold herbs, or a new twist on the dressing. No matter how you serve it, this tomato salad recipe is sure to become your favorite go-to for summer freshness!
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Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- Large ripe tomatoes – Choose firm but ripe tomatoes for the best flavor
- Cherry tomatoes – These add sweetness and color contrast
- Red onion – Adds a sharp bite that balances the sweetness
- English cucumber – Provides refreshing crunch
- Fresh basil leaves – The star herb that makes this salad sing
- Fresh parsley – Adds brightness and color
For the Dressing
- Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use good quality oil for best flavor
- Balsamic vinegar – Creates the perfect tangy-sweet balance
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens all the flavors
- Garlic – Optional but adds depth
- Sea salt – Brings out the tomato flavors
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Tomatoes
- Start by washing all your tomatoes under cool water. For the large tomatoes, remove the core and cut into wedges or chunks about 1-inch in size. The key is keeping pieces large enough to maintain their shape but small enough to eat comfortably. Halve your cherry tomatoes to release their juices, which will help create a natural dressing.
Prep the Supporting Cast
- Slice your red onion as thinly as possible – a sharp knife or mandoline helps here. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes some of the bite while keeping the crunch.
- Cut your cucumber into rounds about ¼-inch thick. If using a regular cucumber, you might want to peel it first, but English cucumbers have tender skins that add nice texture.
Create the Perfect Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice until well combined. Add minced garlic if using, along with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust – you want a balance of tangy and rich flavors that will complement, not overpower, the tomatoes.
Assemble Your Fresh Tomato Salad
- In a large serving bowl, gently combine the tomato wedges, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently with clean hands or two large spoons. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes – you want to coat everything evenly while maintaining the shape of each ingredient.
- Add the fresh basil and parsley, giving everything one final, gentle toss. The herbs should be distributed throughout but not bruised from over-mixing.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes
Salt and slice the tomatoes, letting them rest to release excess juice and intensify flavor.
- Step 2: Prep the Supporting Cast
Prep the onions and cucumbers — soaking helps mellow the onions while cucumbers add crisp texture.
- Step 3: Create the Perfect Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic, and seasonings into a simple yet flavorful dressing.
- Step 4: Assemble Your Fresh Tomato Salad
Gently combine all ingredients, drizzle the dressing, and finish with herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Expert Tips for the Best Tomatoes Salad
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: The success of any tomatoe salad recipe depends on using perfectly ripe tomatoes. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure and smell fragrant at the stem end.
- Temperature Matters: Serve this salad at room temperature, not straight from the fridge. Cold tomatoes have muted flavors, so let your salad sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving if it's been refrigerated.
- Salt Strategy: Salt your tomatoes 10-15 minutes before adding other ingredients. This draws out natural juices that become part of the dressing, creating more intense tomato flavor.
- Timing is Everything: While this salad can be made ahead, add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their bright color and fresh taste.
Creative Variations for Your Tomato Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Style
- Transform your simple tomato salad by adding crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. This creates a Greek-inspired version that's perfect with grilled lamb or chicken.
Caprese Variation
- Add fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) and increase the basil for a deconstructed Caprese salad. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze just before serving.
Mexican-Inspired Fresh Tomato Salads
- Include diced avocado, fresh cilantro instead of basil, lime juice in place of lemon, and a pinch of cumin. Serve with tortilla chips or alongside grilled fish.
Protein-Packed Version
- Add white beans, chickpeas, or cubed fresh mozzarella to make this a complete meal. This works especially well for lunch or light dinner.
Essential Equipment for Easy Tomato Salad Success
- Sharp Chef's Knife: A well-maintained 8-inch chef's knife makes all the difference when cutting tomatoes cleanly without crushing them.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Choose a bowl that's bigger than you think you need – this gives you room to toss ingredients without making a mess.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Perfect for draining excess liquid from salted tomatoes and rinsing onions if you want to mellow their flavor.
- Whisk or Small Bowl: For creating a well-emulsified dressing that coats all ingredients evenly.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Fresh Storage
- This fresh tomato salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 hours of making it. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but note that the tomatoes will continue to release juice and the herbs may darken slightly.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prepare all vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead. Combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Freezing Notes
- This salad doesn't freeze well due to the high water content in tomatoes and cucumber. However, you can freeze leftover tomatoes separately for use in cooked dishes later. freezing for X days/weeks/months.
The Secret That Changed My Tomato Salad Recipe Forever
I used to think tomato salad was just... tomatoes. Slice, drizzle, done. But one summer afternoon at my grandmother’s garden table, everything changed. She handed me a plate of sun-warmed tomatoes that had been salted, left to rest, then tossed with herbs straight from the yard. The flavor of that simple tomato salad? Unbelievable. The juice from the salted tomatoes mingled with olive oil and lemon, creating a naturally rich dressing I’d never tasted in any tomato salad before.
Since then, I never skip the magic step in my tomato salad recipe—salting and resting the tomatoes. It concentrates the flavor, draws out the sweetness, and transforms an ordinary tomato salad into something truly special. That little pause? It’s the secret that turns a basic tomato salad into an unforgettable tomato salad experience every single time.
FAQ
What is the 5-ingredient tomato salad recipe?
A simple 5-ingredient tomato salad recipe includes ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It’s quick, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
How to make a delicious tomato salad?
Start with ripe, juicy tomatoes and mix with fresh herbs, a tangy dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a touch of sea salt. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
What is the best salad tomato?
Heirloom, cherry, or Roma tomatoes are best for salads—each offers great flavor, texture, and color. Go for ripe, fragrant tomatoes that feel slightly soft to the touch.
What goes with tomato salad recipe?
Tomato salad recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted fish, pasta dishes, crusty bread, or even on its own as a refreshing lunch. It's light, flexible, and complements most summer meals.
Keep It Fresh & Simple!
See? It doesn’t take much to make a tomato salad that truly steals the show. A fresh tomato salad packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant herbs is all you need for a burst of summer flavor. This easy tomato salad recipe comes together in minutes and is perfect as a side for BBQs, potlucks, or even a light lunch. Once you taste this flavorful tomato salad, it will become your go-to tomato salad recipe for every warm-weather gathering!And if you’re loving fresh, fuss-free meals like this, don’t miss my cozy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe or this quick and flavor-packed Easy Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe. They’re just as satisfying, simple, and perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
Try out this tomato salad recipe, make it your own, and enjoy every fresh bite! Whether you stick to the classic or add your own spin, this tomato salad is easy to customize. I always love hearing how you turn a simple tomato salad recipe into something uniquely yours—so don’t forget to share your favorite tomato salad twists!
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Pairing
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Tomato Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For cleanly slicing tomatoes, onions, and herbs without crushing them
- 1 Large mixing bowl To gently toss the salad ingredients together
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer For draining salted tomatoes or soaking onions
- 1 Small Bowl or Jar for Dressing To mix and serve the dressing
Ingredients
Produce
- 4–5 large ripe tomatoes about 2 pounds, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 English cucumber sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil high quality preferred
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 clove garlic minced, optional
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes and let them rest with salt.
- Thinly slice onion, soak if needed, slice cucumber.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together.
- Combine all veggies and herbs, toss with dressing.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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