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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
