This tomato salad recipe is a staple at my house and a perfect summer salad.

Fresh tomatoes from the garden pair perfectly with red onions and herbs and is simply dressed to create a dish that is packed with fresh flavor!

This delicious combination is the perfect lunch or a great side dish to accompany our favorite Easy Quiche Recipe or Oven Fried Chicken!

tomato salad on a wood plate with fresh herbs

A Summer Favorite

This salad (along with cucumber tomato salad) is a summer staple for us. Fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a splash of vinegar make a great summer side or lunch dish! Just toss it all together in a large bowl.

  • Simple ingredients make the best fresh salads.
  • This dish is healthy and can be served as a side or add in some crusty bread to make it a main dish.
  • Add in fresh herbs and bocconcini or other garden vegetables for a tasty fresh tomato salad!

How to Make a Tomato Salad

This healthy tomato salad is really one of the most simple sides. Simply combine garden fresh tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of herbs.

Tomatoes – This tomato salad recipe is best during the summer months, peak tomato season, with they’re fresh off the vine. Use any kind of ripe tomatoes.

  • Cut large tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
  • Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be halved. You don’t need to drain the juices or remove the seeds.
Closeup of Tomato Salad

Variations

Herbs – Fresh oregano, dill, fresh basil leaves, or mint.

Cheese – Try tomato salad with feta cheese or bocconcini (fresh mozzarella). Bocconcini is a ball of mozzarella cheese with a mild flavor. It is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and can be found in the deli department.

Other Additions – Add any of the following, a bit of minced garlic, avocado, garden vegetables, chopped bell pepper or fresh zucchini.

Tomato Salad Dressing

Simple is best. To make the Tomato Salad Dressing, toss the tomatoes with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt & black pepper. If you prefer, you can use balsamic vinegar. 

For the herbs, I use whatever you have that is fresh.  Favorites are basil, dill, parsley, and oregano.

tomato salad in a bowl

Serving Suggestions

I prefer to serve this dish at room temperature.

Pair it with grilled meat, like grilled chicken breast or grilled pork chops

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, this salad keeps well in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to marinate.  I love eating it the next day for a healthy lunch.

More Tomato Recipes

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Fresh Tomato Salad

Fresh garden tomatoes are mixed with herbs and onions, then tossed in a simple vinaigrette mixture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 2 pints grape tomatoes halved, or 3 cups chopped tomatoes
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs basil, oregano, dill, parsley

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup sliced mozzarella balls or diced, optional

Instructions 

  • Place tomatoes, red onion, and bocconcini (if using) in a shallow bowl.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Toss to combine.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.

Notes

We add a total of 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs and combine them based on what we have on hand. Add extra if you’d like.
Large tomatoes can be cut into bite sized chunks. Do not remove the juices or seeds.
This salad is best served at room temperature but it can be chilled if you’d prefer.  
Store leftover tomato salad in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Stir before serving again. 
5 from 80 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 190 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1970IU | Vitamin C: 33.4mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian

tomato salad in a bowl with text
Tomato Salad
tomato salad in a bowl with text
tomato salad in a bowl with text

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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  1. As always simply the best…everything l look for the ultimate recipe I always pick yours. I check them all out TOO! Thanks once again!5 stars

    1. As always simply the best…everything l look for the ultimate recipe I always pick yours. I check them all out TOO! Thanks once again!5 stars