Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad
A vibrant medley of colorful heirloom tomatoes and garden-fresh herbs, dressed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette that captures the essence of a summer garden. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs finely chopped fresh basil, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh dill 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 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
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 medium heirloom tomatoes (diced into 1/2-inch cubes), 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss with a rubber spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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 finely chopped fresh basil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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 Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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.
What goes well with Rainbow Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
