This tomato salad recipe is a staple all year long—especially in the summer! Fresh tomatoes, red onions, and herbs are simply dressed for a simply perfect side dish.

close up of Fresh Tomato Salad

Holly’s Recipe Highlights For Tomato Salad

  • Flavor:  Juicy ripe tomatoes shine in this recipe. The dressing adds a light tang.
  • Skill level: Perfect for beginners—chop and mix.
  • Serving suggestions:  Add fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Bocconcini, feta, or other cheeses can be added.

Tomato Tips

While this tomato salad is a simple side, it is packed with flavor. It’s best with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes during the summer months, but I make it all year long.

  • Cut large tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
  • Cut cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes in half so the dressing can be absorbed.
  • There is no need to drain the juices or remove the seeds.
Fresh Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl

Variations

  • Herbs: Fresh oregano, dill, fresh basil leaves, or mint.
  • Cheese: Try tomato salad with feta cheese, burrata, or bocconcini (fresh mozzarella).
  • Other Additions: Add a bit of minced garlic, avocado, garden vegetables, chopped bell pepper, or fresh zucchini.

Tomato Salad Dressing

This salad is all about the tomatoes, so I’ve kept the dressing simple with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt & black pepper. You can use other varieties of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar. 

Fresh Tomato Salad with onions

Serving Suggestions

I prefer to serve this dish at room temperature.

Pair it with grilled chicken breast, grilled pork chops, or grilled shrimp!

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

Did you enjoy this fresh Tomato Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below.

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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
  • ½ cup sliced bocconcini or crumbled feta cheese, optional
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs basil, oregano, dill, parsley

Dressing

Instructions 

  • Place tomatoes, cheese if using, and red onion 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 82 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
Fresh Tomato Salad in a bowl with a title
light and refreshing Fresh Tomato Salad with writing
Fresh Tomato Salad with onions in a bowl with a title
Fresh Tomato Salad in a bowl and close up photo with a title

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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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Comments

  1. I added thinly sliced zucchini, chives, and fresh thyme. Subbed apple cider vinegar and sliced pecorino cheese. Guests raved. Delicioso, and thanks so much!5 stars

  2. This looks so good and very similar to what my family has made for years except for the feta cheese which I know I will love. We slice and add ring bologna in ours and call it dinner. I have used many of your recipes and have enjoyed every one. Keep ‘em coming!5 stars

  3. 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