Simple Tomato Salad Recipe – An Italian in my Kitchen

This simple tomato salad is quick to make with fresh cherry tomatoes, veggies and basil leaves then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s the best summer salad that is a favorite side dish at any meal! 

During the summertime, tomato recipes are fresh, easy and tasty! This simple tomato salad is a favorite as well as tomato bruschetta, fresh tomato pizza and fresh grape tomato pasta.

This recipe for tomato salad comes together quickly with garden fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and other vegetables. Similar to my favorite basil and tomato pasta salad, basil is the perfect complement to this summery salad. 

Serve this salad as a side dish to any summertime meal or make it for a quick lunch! The simple flavors will have you keep coming back for one more bite! 

Why This is a Summer Favorite

• Classic summer salad: A quick tomato salad is a favorite side dish at any summertime BBQ and pairs well with grilled chicken, steak or fish! 
• Simple ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key to this summer staple! It’s a healthy dish that tastes so good!
• Versatile: Make it as is, jazz it up with cheese or additional garden vegetables or try different herbs. 

Fresh Tomato Salad Ingredients

• Tomatoes: I prefer to use grape or cherry tomatoes that have been cut in half. 
• Celery: This adds a nice crunch to the salad!
• Cucumber: Just one small garden cucumber that has been cubed. 
• Onion: A white onion or red onion adds a savory taste. 
• Basil: Basil pairs so beautifully with tomatoes! 
• Oregano: Dried oregano also goes well with raw tomatoes. Dried is great, although you can use fresh if preferred. 
• Olive oil: I like to use a high quality extra virgin olive oil as it will add the best flavor and taste. 
• Balsamic vinegar: A high quality balsamic vinegar will be less acidic than a cheaper version and add a sweeter taste, but use what you have! 

Variations

• Plant based protein: White beans or chickpeas would be delicious like in my Italian chickpea salad recipe.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Use bocconcini balls to make this similar to a Caprese salad. 
• Other cheeses: A little feta cheese would make this Greek-inspired and goat cheese would add creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs: Try other herbs like oregano, dill, chives or even mint. 
• Mix-ins: For some additional ideas, try avocado, minced garlic, pickled onions, pesto or even some chopped bell peppers. 

How to Make a Simple Tomato Salad

To start, prep your vegetables. Cut fresh tomatoes in halves and chop celery, raw onion and cucumber. Add chopped vegetables to a large bowl with basil and oregano and toss gently to combine. 

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle salt on top and gently stir to combine. Serve this simple tomato salad recipe immediately.

Tips for the Best Tomato Salad

• Try another vinegar: Instead of balsamic vinegar try white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar. 
• Don’t mix the dressing ingredients: Simply drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the tomatoes and toss gently. The flavor sticks to the tomatoes and makes them so good!
• Add a pinch of salt: This really brings all the flavors together in this summer tomato salad. 
• Let sit for a few minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld together. 

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this at room temperature with other summertime favorites like my Italian grilled chicken salad or Italian grilled eggplant. It also is great with these Italian breaded pork chops and easy salmon burgers. This perfect summer salad really does go with just about anything! 

Recipe FAQs

What tomatoes are best to use?

I love to use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. A variety of heirloom tomatoes can also be used, either regular or petite. You can use regular fresh garden tomatoes and would need about 2 cups of chopped tomatoes (3-4 ripe large tomatoes) or you can cut them into smaller wedges. If you don’t have a garden try to find farmer’s market tomatoes.

Do I have to cut the cherry tomatoes in half? 

While normally I might say this is a preference, in this case it is much easier to eat a cherry tomato salad with tomatoes that have been cut in half! The dressing also coats the tomatoes better when they are cut in half. 

How to store leftover tomato salad?

This salad is best served immediately as the tomatoes will start to release their juices and can become more watery as it sits. If you do have some leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. You could even use the leftovers for my favorite bruschetta with pesto or panzanella if you would like! 

More Easy Salad Recipes

There’s nothing like fresh tomatoes in the hot Summer months and this Simple Tomato Salad is perfect! Buon Appetito.

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