Sun-Kissed Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad
A vibrant salad featuring jewel-toned heirloom tomatoes and garden-fresh herbs, dressed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette that enhances their natural sweetness. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large, diced heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley 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 220 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 large, diced heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Place 2 large diced heirloom tomatoes in a large mixing bowl, then add 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and pour the vinaigrette over the top.
- Step 3: Gently toss the salad using two forks until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and the tomatoes are just beginning to release their juices, then let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Kissed Heirloom Tomato & 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-Kissed 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 thinly sliced fresh basil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Kissed 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 Sun-Kissed 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 Sun-Kissed Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad?
American 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.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
