My Favourite Tomato Salad is the dish I crave when summer is at its peak and the markets burst with beautiful, sun-ripened tomatoes. Each bite bursts with fresh, juicy flavor, a perfect blend of tangy, herbaceous, and savory notes—this is the salad I make when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to the best that simple ingredients can offer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavour Explosion: Every mouthful is a medley of bright, juicy tomatoes, zesty vinegar, and aromatic basil for a salad that tastes like pure sunshine.
- Ridiculously Simple: Just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes stand between you and utter salad bliss—no special skills required.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Change up the herbs, swap the vinegar, or toss in extra veggies to make My Favourite Tomato Salad truly yours.
- Pairs with Everything: Serve it with grilled meats, tuck it into sandwiches, or eat it straight from the bowl—this salad shines alongside any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few top-quality, everyday ingredients to make My Favourite Tomato Salad truly shine. Each one brings something crucial—vibrant flavor, a pop of color, or a touch of texture—to make this simple salad utterly unforgettable.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—this salad lives and dies by the quality of its star ingredient.
- Finely Minced Eschalots (Shallots): These add a delicate, sweet bite that gently perfumes the entire salad—don’t substitute regular onions unless you really have to.
- Finely Minced Garlic: Slicing by hand (not using a press) yields a milder, more nuanced flavor—enough to spark the salad without overwhelming it.
- White Wine Vinegar: This gives a lovely tang and freshness; swap it out only if needed (see notes below).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, fruity olive oil brings everything together and helps carry the flavors.
- Cooking/Kosher Salt: Proper seasoning is essential to bring out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and juiciness.
- White Pepper: Just a bit for a gentle lift—black pepper can overpower the tomatoes here.
- Fresh Basil: Finely sliced, this herb infuses freshness and makes the whole salad sing; use extra for a gorgeous, aromatic garnish.
Variations
One of the magical things about My Favourite Tomato Salad is how easy it is to tweak for any taste or occasion. Here are a few fun ways to mix it up based on what’s in your kitchen or what you’re craving today.
- Add Fresh Mozzarella: Toss in torn buffalo mozzarella or bocconcini for a heartier Caprese-style twist—instant crowd-pleaser.
- Try Different Herbs: Not a basil fan? Use fresh mint, parsley, chives, or even a little dill for a totally different flavor profile.
- Switch Up the Vinegar: If you’re out of white wine vinegar, sub in apple cider, sherry, or even champagne vinegar. Balsamic works, too—but expect a deeper color!
- Go Rustic: Add a handful of toasted bread cubes for a panzanella-like salad that soaks up all those glorious tomato juices.
- Dial Up the Vegetables: Toss in sliced cucumbers, avocado, or thinly shaved fennel to change up the texture and add extra freshness.
How to Make My Favourite Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Tomatoes
Start by slicing the tomatoes into 8 to 10 wedges, cutting out and discarding the core as you go. Use your sharpest knife—this keeps the flesh neat, preserves the juices, and showcases the beautiful color of every wedge. Pop the slices into a roomy bowl so it’ll be easy to toss later on.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Seasonings
Sprinkle the finely minced eschalots and garlic evenly over the tomatoes. Then, add the salt and white pepper—feel free to gently toss everything with your (clean) hands to make sure each tomato wedge gets a little hit of seasoning.
Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
Drizzle the white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the tomatoes just enough to coat them in the dressing. Go lightly to keep the wedges intact and avoid bruising these beauties!
Step 4: Add the Basil and Serve
Scatter the finely sliced basil over the salad and give everything one final, gentle toss—this infuses the salad with extra aroma and color. Pour the whole glorious mixture into a serving bowl and garnish with a shower of extra basil. Serve immediately so the tomatoes stay plump and juicy (and don’t forget a hunk of bread for those incredible juices).
Pro Tips for Making My Favourite Tomato Salad
- Seasoning Secrets: Salt the tomatoes just before serving to keep them juicy—salting too early can draw out water and dilute the flavor.
- Basil at the End: Add basil only at the last minute to prevent it from bruising and turning dark, preserving its fresh aroma and vibrant color.
- Tomatoes at Room Temperature: Always use tomatoes straight from the counter, not refrigerated—they’ll be much juicier and full of flavor.
- Gentle Handling: Go easy when tossing to keep the wedges intact—this keeps the salad bold and beautiful instead of mushy.
How to Serve My Favourite Tomato Salad
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite as pretty or aromatic as a final flourish of fresh basil leaves on top of My Favourite Tomato Salad. For an extra pop, add some thinly sliced chives, a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil—simple touches make the colors and flavors dazzle even more.
Side Dishes
This salad absolutely sings alongside grilled meats (think juicy chicken, steak, or fish), but it also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a light meal. Try spooning it over warm couscous, scattered on a platter with creamy burrata, or tucked into a picnic spread for instant Mediterranean charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the usual bowl! Try layering the tomato wedges on a long platter for a striking lunch table centerpiece, stacking the salad atop toasted baguette slices for a rustic appetizer, or nestling it into lettuce cups for a handheld summer bite. My Favourite Tomato Salad loves to shine in any setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (trust me, it doesn’t happen often!), cover and refrigerate My Favourite Tomato Salad in an airtight container for up to one day. The flavors will continue to develop, but the tomatoes will soften and release more juice—still delicious, but best eaten soon after making.
Freezing
Because tomatoes lose their texture when frozen and thawed, I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The magic here is in the freshness—make it from scratch for the best experience and skip the freezer for this one.
Reheating
No reheating required! My Favourite Tomato Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve chilled it, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving for the juiciest flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use cherry or grape tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you have cherry or grape tomatoes, simply halve or quarter them and follow the recipe as written. The salad will be just as delicious and even a little bit sweeter—just note that you may want to try my dedicated Cherry Tomato Salad recipe for perfect proportions.
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What can I use instead of basil?
Fresh basil is traditional, but you can swap in parsley, mint, dill, or even a pinch of dried oregano. You’ll get a slightly different vibe but still plenty of garden-fresh goodness.
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Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?
For the best flavor and texture, assemble My Favourite Tomato Salad just before serving. However, you can slice the tomatoes and prep the other components a few hours in advance, then quickly toss everything together right before your meal.
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Is it necessary to remove the tomato cores?
For the best texture and presentation, I do recommend cutting out the tough core—this leaves only the tender, juicy parts. It takes an extra minute, but it’s worth it for that perfect salad bite.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall in love with My Favourite Tomato Salad as much as I have. It’s the perfect showcase for ripe tomatoes and effortless entertaining—the kind of dish you’ll crave all season long. Give it a try the next time you spot gorgeous tomatoes at the market, and let this simple salad steal the show at your table!
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My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the freshness of ripe tomatoes with a simple yet delicious dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Ripe Tomatoes:
4 tomatoes (180g/6oz each)
Eschalots:
1 1/2 tsp finely minced
Garlic:
1/2 tsp finely minced
White Wine Vinegar:
1 tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
3 tbsp
Salt:
3/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
White Pepper:
2 pinches
Basil Leaves:
1 1/2 tbsp finely sliced, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes: Into 8 or 10 wedges, removing the core, and place in a large bowl.
- Season: Sprinkle eschalots, garlic, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
- Toss: Gently mix to coat the tomatoes. Add basil and toss again to combine.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with extra basil, and serve immediately. Enjoy with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes work best, but even greenhouse-grown tomatoes can be used. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be substituted for a different twist.
- Eschalots: Also known as French Onions or shallots in the US. Green onions or red onions can be used as substitutes.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar is recommended, but apple cider, sherry, or champagne vinegar can also be used. Avoid balsamic vinegar as it may discolor the tomatoes.
- Basil: Adds freshness, but dried oregano can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
