Fresh Tomato Basil Salad

This simple Tomato Basil Salad celebrates summer's best produce with minimal fuss, allowing the fresh flavors to shine through. I make this weekly during tomato season when my garden overflows with ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil.

I first created this salad for a last minute dinner party and it was the first dish to disappear. Now it's my go to recipe whenever tomatoes are at their peak and I need something impressive yet effortless.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes select a variety of colors and types for visual appeal and flavor complexity. Cherry tomatoes work beautifully for their sweetness, while heirlooms add unique flavors
• Shallot provides a more delicate onion flavor than regular onions, complementing the tomatoes without overpowering them
• Extra virgin olive oil use the highest quality you can afford as the flavor is prominent in this simple dish
• Balsamic vinegar adds sweet tanginess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Look for aged varieties for deeper flavor
• Salt and pepper fresh ground varieties make a noticeable difference in this simple preparation
• Fresh basil the aromatic companion to tomatoes, choose bright green leaves with no dark spots or wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Wash tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into halves or quarters depending on size. Smaller cherry tomatoes can be left whole. Dice the shallot as finely as possible to distribute its flavor throughout the salad without overwhelming bites.

Create the base

Place your prepared tomatoes and diced shallot in a medium bowl. Gently toss them together with your hands or a soft spatula to distribute the shallot pieces evenly among the tomatoes without crushing the delicate fruit.

Make the dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine your olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper, then taste. The dressing should have a pleasant balance of acidity and richness.

Dress the salad

You have two options here. Either pour the dressing directly over the tomatoes and toss gently to coat each piece, or arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter and drizzle the dressing over the top for a more dramatic presentation.

Marinate

Allow the dressed tomatoes to sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to release some of their juices into the dressing.

Finish and serve

Just before bringing to the table, sprinkle the freshly cut basil ribbons over the salad. Adding the basil at the last moment preserves its vibrant color and prevents it from wilting or turning black.

Bookmark

The shallot is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted on using shallots rather than onions in her tomato salads, and after years of making this dish, I completely understand why. Their delicate flavor complements rather than competes with the tomatoes, creating a perfect harmony that makes this simple salad extraordinary.

Choosing the Best Tomatoes

For this salad, tomato selection makes all the difference. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and yield slightly to gentle pressure. The skin should be tight and unwrinkled with no green spots. Heirloom varieties offer unique flavors and beautiful colors, while cherry or grape tomatoes provide consistent sweetness. I prefer using a mix of varieties for the most interesting flavor profile. Remember that truly ripe tomatoes should have a noticeable fragrance at their stem end this is your best indicator of flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Wash and cut tomatoes up to 4 hours before serving, storing them at room temperature. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated just bring it to room temperature before using. Never add the basil until the last moment as it will quickly darken. If you need to prepare everything earlier, keep the tomatoes, dressing, and basil separate until about 20 minutes before serving, then combine as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad shines alongside grilled meats, particularly chicken or steak. It makes a perfect accompaniment to Italian dishes like risotto or pasta. For a light lunch, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices and a ball of fresh burrata or mozzarella on the side. During summer gatherings, I place this salad center stage on a grazing board surrounded by olives, cheese, and charcuterie. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this tomato basil salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best to assemble just before serving. You can slice the tomatoes and make the dressing up to a day in advance, but add the basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.

→ What types of tomatoes work best for this salad?

Both cherry tomatoes and heirloom varieties work beautifully in this salad. Cherry tomatoes offer sweet, pop-in-your-mouth bites, while heirloom tomatoes provide diverse flavors and colors. The key is using ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.

→ Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar with something else?

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even fresh lemon juice. Each will create a different flavor profile, but all work well with tomatoes and basil.

→ What main dishes pair well with this salad?

This tomato basil salad pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or steak. It also complements Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, or pizza, and makes a perfect addition to summer barbecues.

→ How can I make this salad more substantial?

To make this salad more filling, consider adding fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese, grilled chicken, or white beans. You could also toss in some cooked and cooled pasta or crusty bread cubes to create a panzanella-style dish.

→ How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?

Once dressed, this salad is best consumed within 24 hours. The tomatoes will release juices and the basil may darken. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few hours of preparation.