Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A vibrant garden-inspired salad featuring juicy tomatoes and fragrant rosemary, dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette that enhances fresh summer flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, extra-virgin olive oil 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 300 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
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (arugula or spinach) mixed greens
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped, then pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 2 cups mixed greens and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon 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 Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon 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 Chilled Tomato and Rosemary Salad with Lemon 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this chilled are incredible.