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Home » Salads » Tomato Salad Recipe

Published: May 6, 2020 Last Modified: May 6, 2020 By Sara 21 Comments

Tomato Salad Recipe

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Tomato Salad Recipe | Tomato Basil Salad | Caprese Salad #salad #tomatoes #cheese #summer #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This tomato salad recipe is ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and red onions, all tossed together in a zesty garlic and herb dressing. A classic summer salad that never goes out of style!

When it’s warm outside, I turn to cooling salads like watermelon salad, creamy cucumber salad, and this refreshing tomato salad. This salad makes the perfect side dish or light main course for entertaining.

Tomato Salad Recipe | Tomato Basil Salad | Caprese Salad #salad #tomatoes #cheese #summer #dinner #dinneratthezoo Tomato Salad Recipe | Tomato Basil Salad | Caprese Salad #salad #tomatoes #cheese #summer #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Tomato salad with fresh mozzarella cheese, red onion and basil.

As we head into the warmer months, one thing I’m excited about is summer produce. In the summer there are so many great options from melons to berries to corn, and of course, tomatoes. This tomato salad showcases the finest that summer has to offer. It’s a bright and refreshing salad that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fish.

How do you make tomato salad?

This recipe starts with the ripest tomatoes you can find. Of course, if you can grow your own tomatoes they’ll have the best flavor, but the farmer’s market is also a great place to look. The tomatoes are cut into bite sized pieces then mixed with fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced red onion and whole basil leaves. A red wine vinaigrette goes over the top, then everything gets tossed together. You can serve your salad immediately, or let the tomatoes marinate in the dressing in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil and red onion in a bowl.

Tips for tomato salad

  • I use bocconcini mozzarella balls for this salad. These little cheese bites come packed in water in tubs in the deli area. You can also use diced fresh mozzarella if you prefer.
  • I like to keep my basil leaves whole so that they don’t turn black in the salad. If you’d like to chop your basil that’s fine too, just be aware that cut basil leaves will discolor as they sit in the salad.
  • I use a mandoline to shave my red onion into the thinnest possible slices.
  • I recommend serving this salad soon after it’s prepared, as the tomatoes can get mealy in texture if they sit in the fridge.

Dressing being poured over basil, tomatoes and mozzarella.

Which tomato is best for salad?

This salad can be made with almost any type of tomato. You can use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a super colorful end result, or even cherry tomatoes for a different look and flavor. In this particular case, I’ve used small vine ripened tomatoes that have been cut into quarters. I prefer to use tomatoes that don’t contain a lot of seeds, such as Roma tomatoes.

A bowl of tomato basil salad with fresh mozzarella.

Tomato salad variations

You can add so many different ingredients to this salad to make it your own and customize the flavors.

  • Vegetables: You can try adding bell peppers, sliced olives, marinated artichokes, corn or avocado.
  • Protein: Make this a main course by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, bacon, white beans or chickpeas.
  • Herbs: Swap out the basil for green onions, dill or parsley.
  • Cheese: Use cubed provolone cheese or shaved parmesan in lieu of mozzarella.

A serving spoon holding a portion of fresh tomato salad.

I make this salad multiple times a week when tomatoes are in season. It takes just minutes to put together, and the flavors are a classic combination that can’t be beat.

More summer salad recipes

  • Chickpea Avocado Salad
  • Black Bean and Corn Salad
  • Israeli Salad
  • Broccoli Salad
  • Tortellini Salad

Tomato Salad Video

Tomato salad with fresh mozzarella cheese, red onion and basil.
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5 from 20 votes

Tomato Salad

This tomato salad recipe is ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and red onions, all tossed together in a zesty garlic and herb dressing. A classic summer salad that never goes out of style!
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 147kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 5 cups tomatoes cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup bocconcini mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup small basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, red onion and basil in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 17.5mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

This post was originally published on June 10, 2019 and was updated on May 6, 2020 with new content.

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Filed Under: Salads, Side Dishes

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    Comments

    1. Jan says

      June 14, 2020 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was really delicious! Tomatoes are so good this time of year.

      Reply
    2. Suzy says

      May 13, 2020 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      One of the best and easy salad recipes to make! We love it!

      Reply
    3. Catalina says

      May 12, 2020 at 6:22 am

      5 stars
      I love easy and simple dishes. This salad is so perfect for summer!

      Reply
    4. Allyson Zea says

      May 12, 2020 at 2:13 am

      5 stars
      OMG This came out so delicious! Thanks for the easy recipe!

      Reply
    5. Vikki says

      May 11, 2020 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      Such a tasty and refreshing salad! Definitely making this again because the weather will only get hotter

      Reply
    6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      May 11, 2020 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      This tomato salad recipe is looks incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    7. Jen says

      May 11, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fresh and light dish to add to any dinner table this summer. Love it!

      Reply
    8. Haley D. Williams says

      May 11, 2020 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      A classic summer salad! Love how easy and delicious this recipe is

      Reply
    9. Flo says

      May 4, 2020 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      I used cherry tomatoes sliced in half and we really enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply
    10. deb says

      July 8, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      My garden is overflowing with tomatoes so I’ve been making this a few times each week! It’s wonderful!

      Reply
    11. Jennifer Reilly says

      June 25, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      Talk about a juicy summer salad! I’m looking forward to having this again for lunch tomorrow!

      Reply
    12. Jacque Hooper says

      June 25, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a great salad with dinner last night! I will be enjoying this all season long; it’s delicious!

      Reply
    13. Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says

      June 20, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      I love all those fresh tomatoes! So yummy!!

      Reply
    14. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      June 14, 2019 at 8:20 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy! This is seriously making me hungry!

      Reply
    15. Michelle Goth says

      June 14, 2019 at 7:55 am

      This reminds me a lot of a salad my Grandma used to make with red onion, tomatoes and cucumbers. But it has a caprese vibe to it! I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    16. Kathy says

      June 12, 2019 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      A great use for summer tomatoes! Last year I had a way too many, but now I have a tasty way to help use them all.

      Reply
    17. Jacquelyn Hastert says

      June 12, 2019 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      This salad I could enjoy daily! I love the garlic and herb dressing and all the fresh flavors of summer.

      Reply
    18. Des says

      June 12, 2019 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      The perfect way to use up those summer tomatoes! I absolutely love that dressing. I am saving this recipe for later this summer.

      Reply
    19. Jennifer says

      June 12, 2019 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      One of our favorite salads to make!

      Reply
    20. Katerina @ diethood .com says

      June 12, 2019 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      My kind of salad!! YUM!! A must try!

      Reply
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