Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
A vibrant Mediterranean salad featuring smoky charred tomatoes paired with creamy feta and fresh basil, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium ripe plum tomatoes, olive oil, crumbled feta cheese 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe plum tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 100 g crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice 4 medium ripe plum tomatoes in half and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Place cut side down on the grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until char marks appear and tomatoes soften.
- Step 2: While tomatoes grill, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Arrange the charred tomatoes on a serving plate, sprinkle 100 g crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves evenly over the top. Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to combine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
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 medium ripe plum tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
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 Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette 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.
Is Charred Tomato and Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.