Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime

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

Juicy tomatoes and fresh cilantro are tossed in a bright lime vinaigrette for a refreshing, no-cook side dish. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs tomatoes, cilantro, 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 90 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 90 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 large tomatoes, chopped, 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, and 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a side dish or over greens for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime 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 Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime?

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 tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime?

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 Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime 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 Tomato and Cilantro Salad with Lime?

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

Related recipes