The Best Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe

This simple tomato salad recipe combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect summer side dish—fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor!

Table of Contents

• Why I Love This Tomato Salad
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Substitutions & Variations
• How to Make Tomato Salad
• How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
• Other Easy Summer Salads You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Connect With Me

There are a few things that truly mark the peak of summer: long days, warm breezes, and the abundance of sun-ripened tomatoes. I find myself building meals around them all season long. This fresh tomato salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something beautiful, unfussy, and full of flavor. It comes together in minutes and is completely customizable based on what I have on hand.

It’s the kind of dish I bring to a last-minute gathering or throw together for lunch on the patio with a cold glass of rosé. I developed this recipe out of my love for minimalist, seasonal cooking—where every ingredient has a purpose and shines. If you’re someone who values simplicity without sacrificing flavor, you’re going to love this.

Why I Love This Tomato Salad

I love this recipe for so many reasons:

• It celebrates seasonal produce – When tomatoes are in season, they don’t need much.
• It’s versatile – Add cheese, grains, or extra herbs to make it your own.
• It’s ready in 10 minutes – No cooking required, just chopping and tossing.
• It’s light but satisfying – Perfect for hot summer days.

This is the kind of simple tomato salad that you can serve alongside grilled chicken, pasta, or even spoon over toasted bread for a casual appetizer. It feels elevated, yet it’s incredibly approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything I used in this recipe, along with some tips to help you choose the best ingredients:

• Heirloom Tomatoes – These are the stars. Choose ripe, colorful ones. Cherry or grape tomatoes also work great (just halve them).
• Red Onion (½, thinly sliced) – I recommend soaking the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow their sharpness, but this is optional.
• Fresh Basil & Mint – These herbs add brightness and aroma. Use whole leaves or tear them gently for best texture.
• Olive Oil (¼ cup) – Use extra virgin olive oil for the most flavor.
• Lemon Juice (¼ cup) – Freshly squeezed adds brightness. Substitute with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar if needed.
• Honey (1 tsp) – Just a touch to balance the acidity.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – To taste. Don’t skip these; they’re essential for bringing everything together.

Substitutions & Variations

This tomato salad is endlessly flexible. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add cheese – Crumbled feta cheese or burrata are dreamy additions.
• Try a different acid – Balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even a splash of white wine vinegar work beautifully.
• Make it a meal – Add white beans, grilled chicken, or cooked farro for a hearty twist.
• Add crunch – Toasted pine nuts or walnuts are great for texture.
• Switch the herbs – Dill, chives, or parsley can be used in place of or alongside basil and mint.

How to Make Tomato Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes: Slice heirloom tomatoes into wedges or rounds. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them.
2. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice half a red onion and soak in cold water if desired, then drain.
3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the tomatoes and onions. Scatter the fresh herbs on top.
5. Drizzle & Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
6. Serve: Finish with an extra crack of black pepper and serve immediately.

How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead

• Storage: Tomato salad is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and pre-slice the onion and herbs a few hours ahead. Slice tomatoes just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Other Easy Summer Salads You’ll Love

• Summer Barley Salad
• The Best Potato Salad Recipe
• Chickpea Pasta Salad with Feta Dressing
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

Final Thoughts

This fresh tomato salad is one of those recipes I come back to again and again, especially in July and August when tomatoes are practically bursting off the vine. It’s effortless, endlessly adaptable, and makes any summer table feel complete. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner outdoors, this salad belongs on your plate.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to save the recipe for later!

Connect With Me

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