Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining juicy cherry tomatoes, bold blue cheese, and a sweet balsamic glaze for a fresh and colorful side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thickened into a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: Rinse and halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes. Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, and basil. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the salad to a serving plate and drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction evenly over the top.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy blue cheese and sweet-tart glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blue Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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