Cherry tomato salad shows up on tables all summer long, and for good reason.
It’s basic: oil, vinegar, red onion, basil, and split cherry tomatoes. No stove needed so no fuss. Just fifteen minutes is all it takes.
I first made this salad on a night when the kitchen felt too hot to cook anything else. That’s usually when it earns its keep. That’s the stretch when tomatoes taste like they’re supposed to.
This salad works because the tomatoes do the work. Ripe ones need almost nothing. A little salt. A splash of vinegar. Some torn basil.
That’s it and you’ll taste the difference right away.
It serves as a light lunch on its own. Or a side dish. Or when I am hosting a brunch. However you serve it, it comes together fast.
If your cherry tomatoes are good, this salad will be good. That’s really the only rule.
Ingredients You Need!
Prep Time: 15 minutes|Total Time: 15 minutes (25 minutes if left to sit first)|Serves: 4 to 6 Difficulty: Easy
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, torn by hand
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (skip it for a dairy-free version)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
If you have no red onion, then a white or sweet onion works too. But soak it in cold water for 10 minutes first.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Salad, Step by Step
There are no difficult steps to make this salad, and it comes together quickly. Follow along, and get the recipe.
Step 1: Halve Each Cherry Tomato
Before anything else happens, each cherry tomato is chopped in half. This allows the fluids to seep out and eventually combine with the dressing.
So, when the tomatoes are stirred, it also helps them absorb more flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Onion Thin and Combine
Thin slices of onion distribute the flavor throughout the salad.
Then in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. When it’s ready, it should appear smooth and slightly thick.
Instead of separating the oil and vinegar, whisking helps them blend.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Place the tomatoes, onion, and dressing in a large bowl and toss lightly until everything’s coated.
Tossing too vigorously breaks down the tomatoes and gives the salad an untidy appearance rather than a fresh one.
Step 4: Finally, Add the Feta and Basil
Add the feta right before serving, and sprinkle the basil on top. Instead of chopping basil, tear it by hand to prevent its flavor from becoming bitter.
By adding both just before serving, you can preserve their fresh texture and avoid the basil wilting too quickly in the dressing.
If the tomatoes look watery already, pat them dry with a paper towel before dressing them.
What Complements Cherry Tomato Salad?
Almost anything off the grill goes great with cherry tomato salad. It goes nicely with steak, grilled chicken, and burgers.
Each taste feels light thanks to the sharp acidity that cuts through the deep, smoky notes.
It also makes a more substantial supper when spooned over orzo. Additionally, shrimp and grilled fish go well together since the salad adds freshness without overpowering the dish.
It’s also always a good idea to serve crusty bread on the side, especially to absorb any residual fluids at the bottom of the bowl.
A Must-Try Salad
This salad only works if your tomatoes are actually good.
Sad, mealy winter tomatoes can’t be rescued by dressing, so wait for the ones that smell like summer before you bother.
When they’re right, it comes together in the time it takes your grill to heat up, and it disappears just as fast. Make it once at peak season.
And once you try, you’ll stop reaching for bagged greens for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Time Does Cherry Tomato Salad Keep in the Fridge?
Eating it the same day is ideal. Within a few hours, leftovers get watery because the vinegar continues to soften the tomatoes.
2. Is It Possible to Make this Salad Without Vinegar?
Yes, its decent substitute is lime or lemon juice. But you should taste it along the process to make sure the tartness doesn’t overshadow the tomatoes.
3. Is Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Healthful?
Yes, it’s a light dish made with heart-healthy olive oil, whole vegetables, and herbs. Unless a pinch is added voluntarily, it has no added sugar and is also low in calories.
