Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Look no further! Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and delicious ingredients to work with, and when combined with a variety of flavors and textures, can create some truly mouth-watering dishes. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 refreshing tomato salad recipes that are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor.
From classic Caprese salads to innovative twists like spicy avocado or quinoa-based bowls, there’s something for everyone in this collection of delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these tomato salads are sure to become new favorites.
Classic Caprese Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil
This iconic Italian salad is a simple yet flavorful combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad, making sure each component is lightly coated.
4. Sprinkle basil leaves evenly across the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh and at room temperature.
Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese
Experience the essence of Greece with this refreshing salad, perfect for warm weather or as a light and flavorful side dish. This classic Greek recipe combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese in a harmonious union.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 block of crumbled feta cheese (about 6 oz)
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and sliced cucumbers.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the tomato-cucumber mixture.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic caprese salad, this recipe adds a depth of flavor with a balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp honey)
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, reduce the balsamic glaze over low heat until thickened and syrupy, stirring occasionally.
3. Arrange tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Bake the tomatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.
5. Assemble the salad by placing a baked tomato slice on a plate, topping with a mozzarella round, and drizzling with balsamic glaze.
6. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Tomato Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado, the sweetness of tomatoes, and a kick of heat from jalapeño peppers, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped jalapeño.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon and tomatoes with the brightness of mint and the tanginess of feta. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner on a warm summer day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes
– 1 cup diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes and watermelon.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint over the top of the fruit mixture.
3. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Salad with Herbs
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Salad with Herbs: A flavorful summer salad that combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the pungency of garlic, all tied together with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe tomatoes, cored
– 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they release their juices and start to caramelize.
4. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Mince the roasted garlic cloves into a paste.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tomatoes, minced garlic, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
7. Sprinkle with fresh herbs leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the creaminess of chickpeas, all tied together by a zesty lemon tahini dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chickpeas and stir until well coated.
3. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and parsley.
4. Pour the chickpea mixture over the tomato mixture and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad is perfect for warm weather gatherings, featuring sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, but it can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Tomato and Red Onion Salad with Balsamic Reduction
A sweet and tangy salad that’s perfect for warm weather, this recipe combines juicy tomatoes, crispy red onions, and a rich balsamic reduction.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
3. In a small saucepan, reduce the white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened and syrupy (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Pour the balsamic reduction over the tomato mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Beat the heat with this light and flavorful salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and thinly sliced cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt dressing over the tomato-cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh and cold.
Enjoy your refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing!
Tomato and Strawberry Salad with Honey Drizzle
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of tomatoes, all tied together with a drizzle of warm honey. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the tomato halves and sliced strawberries.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Parsley Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the sweetness of tomatoes, all tied together with a bright and citrusy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and halved cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Stir in chopped parsley into the dressing until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa-tomato mixture and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato and Black Bean Salad with Lime Cumin Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the earthiness of black beans, all tied together with a zesty lime cumin dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, black beans, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Add the dressing to the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato and Peach Salad with Basil and Burrata
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of peaches, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the creaminess of burrata cheese, all tied together with fragrant basil. Perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal or as a side dish to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 8 oz burrata cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and peaches.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top of the fruit mixture.
3. Cut the burrata cheese into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with olive oil if desired (but honestly, it’s perfect just as is!).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly spent on prep work!)
Tomato and Farro Salad with Pesto Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the nutty flavor of farro with the sweetness of tomatoes, all tied together by a tangy pesto dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the farro according to package instructions. Allow it to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, and pesto dressing.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including cooking time for farro)
Tomato and Radish Salad with Lemon Pepper Dressing
This refreshing salad combines sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and a tangy lemon pepper dressing, perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup thinly sliced red radishes
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes and red radishes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, and black pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the tomato-radish mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Tomato and Spinach Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the earthiness of spinach, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Tomato and Olive Salad with Garlic Herb Dressing
This salad is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, featuring juicy tomatoes, savory olives, and a tangy garlic herb dressing. It’s a quick and easy side dish or light lunch that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and sliced olives.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the garlic herb dressing over the tomato mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 18 refreshing tomato salad recipes! From classic Caprese to innovative combinations like watermelon and mint, there’s something for everyone. Discover how simple it is to elevate your salads with bold ingredients like feta cheese, avocado, and roasted garlic. Explore different dressing styles, from creamy yogurt to tangy lime and cumin. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or bold and adventurous, these recipes will inspire you to get creative and make the most of the season’s best tomatoes.
