Garden-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing
A vibrant salad featuring caramelized heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a taste of summer garden abundance. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes blends (finely chopped) Fresh basil, (divided) Extra virgin olive oil, Lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs (chopped into 1/2-inch cubes) Heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (finely chopped) Fresh basil
- 3 tbsp (divided) Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped heirloom tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until edges are slightly caramelized and tomatoes are softened.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 3: Transfer roasted tomatoes to a serving bowl, add 1/4 cup chopped basil, and drizzle with dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are coated, then let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garden-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Garden-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garden-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing?
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-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing 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-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing?
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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
