Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad
A refreshing salad featuring garden-fresh tomatoes tossed with a lemon-herb vinaigrette, celebrating the vibrant flavors of locally grown produce. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, halved grape tomatoes, chopped fresh basil 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
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup halved grape tomatoes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over tomato mixture, then add 1/2 cup chopped basil and 1/4 cup chopped dill. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow tomatoes to release juices and herbs to infuse, then serve chilled as a side or light meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad?
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 Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad?
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 Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad 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 Denver Herb-Garden Tomato Salad 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
