Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Garlic Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs creates a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, with minimal prep time and just a few key ingredients, it’s a perfect dish for busy days when you want something both healthy and delicious. It’s antioxidant-rich and heart-healthy, making it an ideal choice for those looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh tomatoes (cherry, grape, or heirloom)
- Garlic, minced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Vinegar of choice
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or salad tongs
Directions
- Prep the Tomatoes:
Wash and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces or halves. If you’re using heirloom tomatoes, you can cut them into wedges for a more rustic look. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to taste. - Combine & Toss:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil (or parsley), and red pepper flakes. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss gently to coat everything evenly. - Serve & Enjoy:
Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately or chill for a few hours before serving for a more intense flavor profile.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Tomato Selection: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Cherry and grape tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, while heirloom tomatoes add a unique, earthy depth of flavor.
- Dressing Customizations: Swap the vinegar for your preferred option, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist. Enhance the dressing with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra complexity.
- Extra Add-Ins:
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle in fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess.
- Crunch Factor: Add toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or croutons for texture.
- Protein Boost: Toss in grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or chickpeas for a more filling salad.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If storing, avoid adding salt until serving, as it can cause the tomatoes to release excess liquid. The salad does not require reheating and should be served cold.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes, feel free to use any vinegar you prefer, such as apple cider vinegar or another mild option.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the tomatoes and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
3. What type of tomatoes are best for this salad?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, but heirloom tomatoes provide a richer, more earthy flavor.
4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil or parsley?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Just be sure to use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
5. How can I make this salad spicier?
To add more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the dressing.
6. Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, adding cheese like fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta enhances the flavor and gives the salad a creamy texture.
7. Can I add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a main dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas can turn this salad into a more substantial meal.
8. How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
The salad will keep for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, though the tomatoes may release more liquid as time goes on.
9. Can I use a different oil in the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or another mild olive oil.
10. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Tomato Garlic Salad is completely vegan and can be enjoyed by anyone following a plant-based diet.
Conclusion
This Fresh and Flavorful Tomato Garlic Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves simple, wholesome dishes. It’s quick to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you serve it as a side dish for dinner or a light lunch on its own, it’s a vibrant and healthy option that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors and the easy prep with this delightful salad!
Fresh and Flavorful Tomato Garlic Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Tomato Garlic Salad is a refreshing, light dish bursting with juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a zesty dressing. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a vibrant balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes (cherry, grape, or heirloom)
Garlic, minced
Extra virgin olive oil
Vinegar of choice
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt & black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
-
Prep the Tomatoes: Wash and chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces or halves. Heirloom tomatoes can be cut into wedges for a rustic look.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
-
Combine & Toss: In a large bowl, mix chopped tomatoes with fresh basil (or parsley). Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss gently.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately or chill for a few hours for more intense flavor.
Notes
For a different flavor, swap the vinegar with fresh lemon juice or add Dijon mustard to the dressing.
For extra texture, add toasted nuts, croutons, or grilled protein like shrimp or chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but avoid adding salt until serving to prevent excess liquid from tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
