The most classic of all combinations come together in this juicy Tomato Salad – sweet ripe tomatoes with fresh basil leaves drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. This can be made with any type of fresh tomatoes – including cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes – but they must be ripe!
Cherry Tomato Salad
This is my “go-to” salad that I make whenever I have ripe cherry tomatoes. One that I’ve been making for as long as I can remember.
There’s nothing groundbreaking in it, it’s just a really classic combination of ingredients and flavours.
But the one essential is to use juicy, ripe tomatoes. If you don’t, it kind of defeats the purpose!
What goes in this cherry tomato salad
Fresh basil with tomato is a match made in heaven, plus thin slices of red onion for freshness then a simple vinaigrette made with cider vinegar, olive oil and mustard for thickening.
Customise it!
Tomatoes – use any type of tomatoes you want. I’ve used cherry and grape tomatoes because they’re extra ripe and juicy right now – juicier than the large tomatoes;
Basil – switch with chives, dill, parsley or oregano
Dried Herbs – make the Herb & Garlic dressing in this Cucumber Salad instead (it’s SO GOOD with tomatoes!)
Red onion – finely sliced green onions or eschallots/French onion (ie the small onions, known by many names!).
Dressing for Tomato Salad
When you’ve got sweet juicy tomatoes paired with basil, it’s an unbeatable flavour combination so you really don’t need (or want!) a dressing that overpowers.
So the best is to make a simple vinaigrette, thickened slightly with mustard so it coats the tomato better (because they’re slippery little suckers that dressing just doesn’t want to cling to!).
How to make cherry tomato salad
Shake up the dressing in a jar – it is the best way to make any dressing beautifully thick and creamy. Much more effective than whisking in a bowl;
Cut cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes in half to expose the juicy flesh so it can mingle with the dressing. If using large tomatoes, cut them into wedges then into bite size pieces;
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently!
What to serve this with
This will virtually go with any main dish, except perhaps Asian / Indian foods because basil isn’t a herb used in these cuisines. Serve it with roasts or pastas, chicken, beef or seafood.
It will go particularly well with Italian food – being that this is pretty much as Italian as you can get! Here are some suggestions for mains and other sides to make an Italian feast:
Dishes to make an Italian Feast
Leftovers!
Tomato salad is best served fresh if you want that juicy, ripe experience. BUT leftovers is very tasty too – but don’t think of it as a fresh tomato salad. Think of it as a MARINATED tomato salad! Good for 3 days. 🙂 – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Cherry Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 750g/ 1.5lb cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (or large tomatoes)
- 1/2 red onion , finely sliced
- 1/2 cup basil leaves , tightly packed, finely sliced (Note 2)
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar (Note 3 for others)
- 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard (or other non spicy mustard)
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions
- Shake Dressing in a jar. Taste and add more salt or pepper, or oil if you want less tart.
- Cut Tomatoes – cut cherry tomatoes / grape tomatoes in half. If using large ones, cut into wedges then bite size pieces.
- Place tomatoes, onion and basil in a bowl.
- Pour over Dressing. Gently toss and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
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It doesn’t get any easier than this. My garden cherry tomatoes were sweet enough, I wouldn’t add any sugar as indicated by some commenters. It’s simple and flavourful – delicious!
I forgot to rate it 😮
I made this recipe with balsamic vinegar. Delicious 😋
Thanks, Nagi!
Thanks very much! Perfect recipe for a bounty of cherry tomatoes.
Almost perfect. Just the sugar is missing. Every tomato dish needs a small amount of sugar, it balances the meal, no matter if it’s tomato sauce or tomato salad. Other than that it’s the authentic Italian tomato salad. 🙂 Thank you!
This was a lovely way to highlight the gorgeous flavour of some ripe tomatoes I had on hand. I used dried basil (not the same, I know), and left out the onions for my picky kids, and it was still amazing. Thanks, Nagi!
How much sugar please?
Amazing super salad dish. I added finely sliced radish as well. Was even better the following day as the veg was slightly pickled. Just wonderful.xx
A lovely summer dish and soo simple!
Hi Nagi! I live in thailand, so do you think I could use thai basil for this recipe? Thanks!
You can, it has a slightly different, aniseed flavour but will still be beautiful! N x
This looks delicious. My husband really dislikes mustard of any kind. He can even taste it in store bought dressings that I didn’t even know it contained. Is there something else I can substitute for the mustard?
WOW. SO. SO. GOOD.
So simple but so much flavour!!! Thank you!!!
I was sceptical when I read this, after all what can be better than fresh ripe tomatoes? This can! I can’t believe how yummy it is, I’ve made it 4 times in 2 weeks and will keep making it. Thank you x
sorry, I always forget to rate them!
sorry I always for get to rate it!
Used fresh grape tomatoes and basil from our garden, turned out delicious. I was a bit worried when I tasted the vinaigrette, it seemed salty. But once added to the salad, it was perfect!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Nancy, that’s great to hear! N x
Love CookIng yours recopiles. So easy and tasty!
Made this the other day and it was delicious & so simple! Thank you!
Great taste and fast to make! Had some leftover… and tossed with cheese tortellini the next day for lunch.
Yum! What a great idea!!! N x
I made this and it was absolutely delicious! Freshly picked cherry tomatoes and basil are always a good start, but the combination with red onion and the dressing was outstanding. Thank you Ngai! I love how you explain things eg that the mustard thickens the dressing and helps it ‘stick’. I also appreciate your extra notes and substitution suggestions. So glad I’ve found you!
You’re so welcome Sylvia, thanks so so SO much for the feedback – I really appreciate it. N x
So sorry I spelt your name wrong, Nagi! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Like you make this almost automatically morning, noon and night – yes, always with raw onions but, umm, not necessarily with French mustard . . . how stupid of me ! Worth clicking on a ;known’ recipe ! Uhuh ! Like Dozer in this cap also . . .
It’s one of my go to’s – so fresh and so easy. I love the way mustard emulsifies the oil and vinegar too 🙂
I will try the tomato recipe, with the mustard, vinegar and oil, sounds good. Will be great this summer when my garden produces fresh tomatoes.