Fresh and delicious Cherry Tomato Salad made with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a simple olive oil dressing.
author’s note
My Mom’s Garden Inspired This Cherry Tomato Salad!
Every summer, my mom’s garden absolutely explodes with tomatoes and zucchini. I’m constantly leaving her house with bags full of both, and while the zucchini usually turns into muffins, breads, and pasta dinners, the tomatoes almost always end up in this salad.
The first time I made this Cherry Tomato Salad, it honestly wasn’t meant to become a “recipe.” It was more one of those throw-everything-in-a-bowl lunches I make when tomatoes are perfectly ripe and don’t need much help. But after sharing it online and getting flooded with messages asking for the recipe, I realized people love these simple, fresh recipes just as much as I do.
And honestly? I get it. When tomatoes are in season, there’s not much better.
What I love most about this salad is how easy it is to make your own. Some days I add mozzarella pearls, avocado, sometimes grilled corn or cucumbers. But the base recipe stays the same because it just works.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Cherry Tomatoes | Use mixed-color cherry tomatoes for the prettiest salad. If you have too many tomatoes, try this tomato sandwich or Caprese chicken—both are SO good! |
| Vine-Ripened Tomatoes | Heirloom tomatoes are amazing here too. |
| Fresh Basil | Add just before serving so it stays fresh. |
| Shallot | You can use diced red onion or skip it if you don’t like onions. |
| Olive Oil | Use your best olive oil here. |
| Red Wine Vinegar | Apple cider vinegar or balsamic both work. |
How To Make This Cherry Tomato Salad
- Tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the flavor: Sprinkle in the shallot, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar right over the tomatoes.
- Toss gently: Mix everything together carefully so the tomatoes stay intact.
- Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
Variations
Change Things Up!
There are so many different ways to jazz up a tomato salad; here are a few ideas:
- Cheese: Add fresh mozzarella balls or slices for a Caprese-style salad.
- Cucumbers: Mix in thinly sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze on top for some sweetness.
- Grilled Corn: Add grilled corn kernels for a smoky flavor. Or try this Corn and Tomato Salad.
chelsea’s recipe tip
My Favorite Trick For Extra Flavor
After tossing everything together, let this cherry tomato salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. The tomatoes release juices that mix with the olive oil and vinegar to create the best fresh dressing at the bottom of the bowl.
And don’t waste it.
Grab some crusty bread and scoop up every last bit.
Storage
For the best flavor, eat within a few hours of making. Store leftover tomato salad in a sealed container in the fridge.
More Easy Salad Recipes:
Cherry Tomato Salad
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups (1 pint) cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cups (1 pound) tomatoes core removed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot 1/2 of 1 shallot
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil see note 1
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut all the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the minced shallot, garlic, and basil over the tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar evenly on top.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed (I start with 1/2 teaspoon each). Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed within a couple of hours of making.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What To Serve With Cherry Tomato Salad
Here are some simple options to serve with tomato salad:
- Grilled Chicken: Pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of baguette or, even better, garlic bread to soak up the dressing.
- Pasta: A light pasta dish is delicious with this salad.
- Fish: Grilled or baked fish, like salmon or cod pairs nicely.
- Steak: A juicy steak is the perfect main dish to go with this salad.
