Garden Herb-Tossed Tomato Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic garden herbs, dressed in a light olive oil and vinegar emulsion. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, 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 180 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 2 large ripe tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and add to the tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, then toss gently until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and toss again until the vegetables glisten and flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garden Herb-Tossed 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 Herb-Tossed 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 large ripe tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garden Herb-Tossed 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 Herb-Tossed Tomato Salad 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 Garden Herb-Tossed Tomato Salad?

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.

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