Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle
A vibrant summer salad combining the herbaceous notes of gin with fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Gin, medium, diced Ripe tomatoes, chopped 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 85 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
- 3 tbsp Gin
- 4 medium, diced Ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gin, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes and chopped basil. Pour the gin vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with additional basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle 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 Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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 gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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 Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle 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 Gin Basil Tomato Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
