Oh, there’s nothing quite like summer and the joy of biting into a perfectly ripe tomato! I remember those sunny days when my family and I would gather in the backyard, the air filled with laughter and the scent of fresh herbs. That’s when I discovered this Simple Herb Tomato Salad. It’s the kind of dish that celebrates the season—so bright, so fresh, and oh-so-easy to whip up! You just toss together some juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs, and voilà! You’ve got a vibrant salad that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a light lunch on a hot day. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be making this salad all summer long!
Ingredients for Simple Herb Tomato Salad
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (you’ll love the aroma!)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (adds a lovely freshness)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (for a little zing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (this brings everything together)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
How to Prepare Simple Herb Tomato Salad
- Start by chopping your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. The juiciness of the tomatoes is the star here!
- Next, add in the freshly chopped basil, parsley, and finely chopped red onion. Oh wow, just wait until you smell those herbs mingling with the tomatoes!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This dressing is so simple, but it makes a world of difference!
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. I like to drizzle it slowly so every bit of the salad gets coated beautifully.
- Now, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, seasoning is key to enhancing all those fresh flavors!
- Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; we want those lovely chunks!
- For the best flavor, serve immediately, or if you have a moment, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly fresh—each bite bursts with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
- So easy to prepare! Just chop, mix, and serve—no cooking required!
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish, a light meal, or even a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Perfect for gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time to save you stress.
- Healthy and packed with vitamins, making it a guilt-free option for any meal.
- Customize it! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add in other veggies for a twist.
Tips for Success
- Always use the ripest tomatoes you can find; they’re sweeter and juicier, making your salad taste amazing!
- For an extra kick, try marinating the onions in the balsamic vinegar for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. It softens their flavor and makes them less pungent.
- Don’t be afraid to play with herbs! If you have fresh oregano, chives, or even mint lying around, toss them in for a unique twist.
- If you want to add a bit of creaminess, crumbled feta or mozzarella works wonders and complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Make sure to taste the salad after mixing; sometimes it just needs a little extra pinch of salt or a dash more vinegar to brighten everything up!
- For a more substantial salad, consider adding some diced cucumber or avocado. They add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- When storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents it from getting soggy!
Variations of Simple Herb Tomato Salad
- Herb Medley: Swap out the basil and parsley for other fresh herbs like cilantro or dill. Each one brings its own unique flavor that can change the whole vibe of the salad!
- Cheesy Delight: Crumble some feta or add diced mozzarella for a creamy texture. Trust me, the combination of cheese and ripe tomatoes is simply divine!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. They complement the tomatoes beautifully and add a refreshing twist!
- Greek Twist: Add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean flair. Serve it with some pita bread, and you’ve got a delicious meal!
- Fruit Fusion: For a sweet twist, mix in some diced peaches or strawberries. The sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory herbs and tomatoes!
- Different Dressings: Experiment with dressings! Try lemon juice and olive oil for a lighter touch, or a creamy dressing for a richer flavor. Balsamic glaze can also add a lovely sweetness!
- Grain Addition: Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro to make it a heartier salad. This adds a nice texture and makes it a fulfilling meal on its own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this Simple Herb Tomato Salad is super easy, and I’ve got some handy tips for you! First things first, if you have any salad left after serving, make sure to transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the freshness locked in and prevents any odors from the fridge mingling with your delicious salad.
Now, I recommend consuming the salad within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture. The tomatoes and herbs are at their peak when fresh, and while the salad can last a bit longer, it might start to lose some of that vibrant taste after a couple of days. If you want to make it last, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. That way, the tomatoes won’t get too soggy and the herbs will maintain their lovely crunch!
And just a heads up—there’s really no need to reheat this salad! It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. So, when you’re ready to dig in again, just pull it out of the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and you’re good to go. Enjoy every bite of that refreshing goodness!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into the numbers, I want to mention that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose. So, keep that in mind when you’re whipping up your Simple Herb Tomato Salad! Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy choice packed with vitamins and nutrients. Enjoy every nutritious bite!
FAQ about Simple Herb Tomato Salad
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes are the star of this Simple Herb Tomato Salad, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. However, nothing beats the flavor and texture of ripe, fresh tomatoes!
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
No worries! If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious! You can also try adding a touch of honey for sweetness if you’re using a more acidic vinegar.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely make this salad ahead of time! Just prepare everything, but hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents the tomatoes from becoming mushy. If you let it sit for about 30 minutes after adding the dressing, the flavors will blend beautifully!
What can I serve with this salad?
This Simple Herb Tomato Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or even as a topping for bruschetta. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread or as part of a Mediterranean platter with olives and cheese. Trust me, it’s a versatile side that complements so many dishes!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! If you want to turn this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. It’s a great way to boost the protein while keeping that fresh flavor!
Simple Herb Tomato Salad: 7 Fresh Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and easy salad featuring ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
- Add the basil, parsley, and red onion to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or chives.
- Can be served as a side dish or light meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Simple Herb Tomato Salad