Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and Herb Salad
A vibrant, garden-fresh salad featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs finely chopped Fresh Basil, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard 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 150 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1.5 cups (about 12-15 medium) Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped Fresh Basil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified and glossy.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 cups Sun Gold cherry tomatoes in a medium bowl and drizzle with the dressing, then gently toss until every tomato is evenly coated and the mixture glistens.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil over the tomatoes and serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the bright flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and Herb Salad 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 Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and 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 Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and 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 Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and Herb Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sun Gold Cherry Tomato and Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.