Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad featuring heirloom tomatoes from the City Floral Garden Center's 2026 list, paired with a bright lemon-herb dressing and fresh garden greens. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium Denver Sunset heirloom tomatoes, baby arugula, 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 285 calories and feeds 2, 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 medium Denver Sunset heirloom tomatoes
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the Denver Sunset heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a platter over a bed of 4 cups baby arugula.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, then sprinkle half over the tomatoes and arugula.
- Step 4: Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad, then sprinkle the remaining herbs and 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 5: Toss gently with clean hands just before serving to combine flavors without bruising the greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb 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 Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb 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 baby arugula from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb 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 Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Denver Sunset Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
