Garden Fresh Tomato Salad
A vibrant medley of heirloom and cherry tomatoes tossed with garden-fresh herbs and a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. This general-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs diced heirloom tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced 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 220 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
- 1 cup, diced heirloom tomatoes
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh oregano
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup diced heirloom tomatoes and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes.
- Step 2: Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, then drizzle with 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar.
- Step 3: Season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the tomatoes are lightly glistening.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garden Fresh 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 Garden Fresh 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 diced heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garden Fresh 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 Garden Fresh 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.
What goes well with Garden Fresh Tomato Salad?
General 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
