Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil Salad

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

A fresh and vibrant salad combining ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfect for an outdoor picnic or light lunch. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium ripe tomatoes, leaves fresh basil leaves, 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 120 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 4 medium ripe tomatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds, arranging them evenly on a large plate.
  2. Step 2: Tear 15 fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the tomatoes to release their aroma.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar evenly over the tomatoes and basil.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil 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 medium ripe tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil 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 Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil 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.

Is Picnic-Style Rustic Tomato and Basil Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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