Sun-Kissed Tomato and Basil Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad with sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil, dressed in a zesty lemon-olive oil blend. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, diced ripe tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves, small, finely chopped red onion 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 small, finely chopped red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, basil, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Kissed Tomato and Basil 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 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, diced ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Kissed 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 Sun-Kissed 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 Sun-Kissed Tomato and Basil Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.