• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cubes N Juliennes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Course
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dish
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Appetizers
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Desserts
  • Main Course
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Course » Salads

    Summer Tomato Salad

    Published: Jun 2, 2021 || Last updated: Feb 11, 2023 by Farrukh Aziz

    104 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This easy recipe for Tomato Salad is my favorite way to honor the summer bounty. Sweet heirloom tomatoes, piquant red onions, fresh basil and tangy feta cheese unite with a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a healthy summer side dish that I just can't get enough of.

    oblong serving plate with tomato feta salad on a wooden table next to whole heirloom tomatoes

    Jump to:
    • Why You Should Try This Tomato Salad
    • Ingredients + Notes
    • How to make Heirloom Tomato Feta Salad
    • FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More Fresh Salad Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You Should Try This Tomato Salad

    Is there anything more perfect in this world than a homegrown, vine-ripened tomato? If there is, I honestly can't think of it. Are they fruits or vegetables? Do you call them toe-MAY-toes or toe-MAH-toes? The answer is: who cares?!? These beauties are uniters, not dividers.

    Whether red, yellow, orange, brown, green or purple; whether big or small; beautifully smooth or impossibly craggy, one thing remains true: summer tomatoes are a gift from the earth. And this heirloom tomato salad celebrates everything I love about them.

    Juicy tomatoes of all shades and sizes are tossed with red onions, fresh basil and feta cheese in an herbed balsamic dressing for the ultimate summer salad. There's nothing gimmicky or chef-y here; it's all about the pure, robust flavor of a perfect tomato.

    This simple, healthy salad takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. It is equally delicious as a light lunch or as an accompaniment to your favorite grill-out fare. And it might just be the best thing you eat all summer long.

    So meet me in the kitchen and learn to make this insanely delicious tomato and feta salad while you can! Once the season ends, you'll have to wait a very long 9 months for it to return.

    Ingredients + Notes

    Made with just 10 ingredients, this tomato feta salad is about as simple as it gets. But don't for a second believe that simple = not delicious. On the contrary! Simplicity and perfection go hand in hand. Here's everything you'll need:

    ingredients for garden fresh tomato salad laid out on a wooden table

    This salad can also be easily customized based on the crowd you're with. Here are some notes to consider:

    • Tomatoes - The variety of tomato doesn't matter here so much as the quality of tomato you use. Don't go making this salad in the dead of winter, if you catch my drift! Use fresh, in-season tomatoes of any variety and you'll have a winner on your hands.
    • Onions - I personally prefer the flavor of red onions when it comes to eating them raw. If you'd like, feel free to swap in sweet yellow onions or mild shallots instead. If you want to remove some of the "bite," soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10-15 minutes prior to tossing the salad.
    • Basil - Tomatoes and basil go together like hot fudge and ice cream. Again, the variety here isn't super important so long as the basil is fresh.
    • Balsamic Vinegar - I think the sweetness of balsamic pairs particularly well with tomatoes, but you can easily swap in red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.
    • Feta Cheese - Feta provides briny, salty pops of flavor in this tomato salad recipe. If you're not a fan, simply omit it. You can also swap in fresh mozzarella (I love this Tomato Mozzarella Salad), burrata or goat cheese instead.

    How to make Heirloom Tomato Feta Salad

    In a small glass jar, combine olive oil, garlic, dried herbs mix, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper. Close the lid and shake well. NOTE: You can also whisk everything together in a small bowl.

    side by side images showing how to make the tomato salad dressing in a small jar with a lid

    I used both cherry tomatoes and full-sized tomatoes in this recipe. For larger tomatoes, cut them into wedges. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be halved.

    sliced tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl

    In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, sliced onions and pour the dressing over the top.

    onions and dressing added to bowl of tomatoes

    Gently toss to combine well and let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes.

    tomatoes, onions and dressing tossed together

    Give a gentle toss again, top with fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese, then serve immediately. Enjoy!

    basil and feta added to tomato salad after resting for 15 minutes

    FAQs

    What tomatoes are best for salads?

    Depending on where you live and who you talk to, you may get 100 different answers to that question. I'm of the opinion that whether you choose beefsteaks, Early Girls, Green Zebras, Cherokee Purples or Black Krims, the important thing is simply to choose ripe, in-season tomatoes.

    If you're a home grower, consult with seed catalogues and fellow gardeners to find varieties that will grow best in your climate. If you opt to get your tomatoes from the market, I recommend getting fresh tomatoes from a local farm for the best quality.

    How to cut tomatoes for salads?

    If the tomatoes are large, I recommend cutting them into wedges. Remove any strange veins, cracks or bruises, then slice along the vertical hemisphere. For smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, cutting them in half is usually sufficient.

    How do I pick good tomatoes?

    First, be sure that tomatoes are in season. As delightful as a garden fresh tomato is, there's nothing more disappointing than the watery, vaguely red colored "tomatoes" they sell in the middle of winter.
    Next, give it a whiff. It should smell like a tomato, especially near the stem.
    Now give it a feel. It should be firm to the touch, with a bit of give under pressure. It should also feel heavy for its size.
    Finally, use your eyes. It should be free of blemishes or bruises. If the skin has split, the tomato needs to be consumed immediately.

    Expert Tips

    1. Choose good quality tomatoes that are fresh, ripe and, most importantly, IN SEASON.
    2. Choose local tomatoes over commercially grown ones that have been shipped in. Local tomatoes can be picked when they are super ripe, whereas commercially grown and shipped tomatoes have to be picked prior to peak ripeness so that they don't over-ripen in transit.
    3. Let the salad sit for 20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
    close up shot of heirloom tomato salad

    Variations

    This delicious tomato feta salad is utter perfection on it's own. That said, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Experiment with different types of tomatoes. Different varieties will have different flavors and qualities. Try as many types of tomatoes as you can get your hands on to find YOUR favorite!
    • Try adding in some greens to bulk it up. I love peppery arugula, but any leaf lettuce should work well.
    • If you'd like some texture, try nuts or seeds for crunch, or avocados for some creaminess.
    • Try adding more fruit. Tomatoes and peaches are a surprisingly delicious combination. Cucumbers are also a tasty addition.

    This list isn't comprehensive by any means. Use it as a guide to improvise your way to your version of the perfect tomato salad!

    Serving Suggestions

    I will happily eat a huge bowl of this salad as a meal, no questions asked. Well, except for "is there more?" That said, I know not everyone shares my enthusiasm. This fresh tomato salad plays nicely with just about everything, including:

    • Seafood like shrimp, baked salmon, halibut or tilapia
    • Grilled meats like chicken, steak, lamb chops or roasts
    • Grains like quinoa, farro or couscous

    Spoon it over the top of your favorite proteins, or serve it as a side for your favorite meals. No matter how you serve it, you're going to love this tomato feta salad.

    Storage

    For best results, I recommend eating this salad within 3 hours. Any leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Allow the tomatoes to come to room temperature before serving for the most robust tomato flavor.

    More Fresh Salad Recipes

    If you're on a summer salad kick like I am, check out some of my other favorite recipes:

    • Strawberry Spinach Salad
    • Peach Salad
    • Summer Strawberry Salad
    • Watermelon Feta Salad
    • Tomato Avocado Corn Salad

    If you tried this simple Heirloom Tomato and Feta Salad recipe, please be sure to rate and review it below. I love hearing from you!

    If you'd like more tasty recipe ideas delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook or YouTube to see what I'm up to in the kitchen.

    📖 Recipe

    close up shot of heirloom tomato salad with feta cheese on a grey oval platter
    5 from 11 votes
    Print

    Tomato Salad Recipe

    This delicious Tomato Salad is filled with sweet heirloom tomatoes, piquant red onions, fresh basil and tangy feta cheese for the best summer side around.
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Diet Gluten Free
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 145kcal
    Author Farrukh Aziz

    Ingredients
     

    Dressing

    • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
    • ¾ teaspoon Dried Herbs Mix (I have used my homemade mix)
    • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper

    Salad

    • 1 lb Ripe Tomatoes (cut into wedges, I have used heirloom tomatoes)
    • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
    • ½ cup Red Onion (sliced)
    • ¼ cup Fresh Basil (roughly torn or whole small leaves)
    • 4 oz Feta Cheese (crumbled)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a small glass jar, combine olive oil, garlic, dried herbs mix, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper. Close the lid and shake well. You can also whisk everything together in a small bowl.
    • In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, sliced onions and pour the dressing.
    • Gently toss to combine well and let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes.
    • Give a gentle toss again, top with fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese, serve immediately.

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    1. Choose good quality tomatoes that are fresh, ripe and, most importantly, IN SEASON.
    2. Choose local tomatoes over commercially grown ones that have been shipped in. Local tomatoes can be picked when they are super ripe, whereas commercially grown and shipped tomatoes have to be picked prior to peak ripeness so that they don't over-ripen in transit.
    3. Let the salad sit for 20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 330mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1005IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag @cubesnjuliennes on Instagram and hashtag it #cubesnjuliennes!

    « Almond Rose Lassi
    Fresh & Easy Mango Salsa »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Naiby

      June 06, 2021 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love heirloom tomatoes. They're so full of flavor. This salad is lovely and perfect for picnics.

      Reply
    2. Jen

      June 06, 2021 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      This tomato salad was refreshing and full of flavor. It was exactly what I needed to cool down now that the weather is heating up. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    3. Jenny

      June 06, 2021 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      A wholesome and lovely tomato salad. It will be a staple in our home this summer. I love all the flavors and how fresh it is. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    4. Heidy

      June 06, 2021 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      There is nothing better than a freshly made Summer Tomato Salad on a hot day. I love how yours utilizes all the wonderful colors of tomatoes off the vine. It looks divine! Have a great day.

      Reply
    5. Amy

      June 06, 2021 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      Love this twist on the traditional caprese salad. The feta adds such a nice salty and briny flavor to the salad. Perfect for summer!

      Reply
    6. kushigalu

      June 06, 2021 at 1:03 am

      5 stars
      One of the best recipe to try this summer. how beautiful is this. Gorgeous pics as always.

      Reply
    7. Beth

      June 05, 2021 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      When heirloom tomato season starts in a few weeks, this will be the first salad I try - it looks like a perfect balance of the tomato flavors and a mild yet flavorful dressing.

      Reply
    8. Amanda

      June 04, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      This tomato salad is definitely going on our summer menu again! Every bite was so fresh tasting, but it was also super simple to whip up.

      Reply
    9. Brianna

      June 04, 2021 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      My first tomatoes just came in and were perfect in this salad. The combo of tomatoes, feta and balsamin is so good.

      Reply
    10. anna

      June 04, 2021 at 5:52 am

      5 stars
      Your tomato salad looks so beautiful, fresh and so vibrant! I can't wait for my tomatoes to be ready for harvest, and this is going to be the first thing I will be making with them!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi There!

    Display Photo of Farrukh Aziz

    I am Farrukh, the face behind this beautiful recipe blog Cubes N Juliennes. I am a microbiologist by qualification turned into a Food enthusiast... Know more about me ->

    Readers Favourite Recipes

    • Authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce served in blue bowl with some pita chips on the side.
      Greek Tzatziki Sauce (Video)

    • Authentic Mexican Rice topped with avocados served in grey ceramic bowl with spoon into it.
      How To Make Mexican Rice (Video)

    • close up shot of homemade guacamole dip and yellow tortilla chips
      Best Guacamole Recipe

    • Overhead shot of shaved brussels sprouts salad in a white oblong serving dish on a white tabletop with a white linen and a silver spoon
      Chicken and Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad

    • Pile of vegetable spring rolls on a white plate garnished with green onions
      Vegetarian Spring Rolls

    • Healthy onion cucumber tomato salad in wooden bowl with fork in it.
      Onion Cucumber Tomato Salad

    Most Popular Recipes

    Best Tandoori Chicken
    Spicy Chicken Fry
    South Indian Rava Upma
    Best Prawn Biryani (Dum Style)
    Mutton Keema Samosa
    Crispy Bread Rolls

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Farrukh

    Media mentions

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Policy

    Lets Connect

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    Sign Up for updates !

    Contact

    Contact me !

    My Photography Portfolio

    Banner displaying popular websites like Parade.com, Delish.com, sheknows, buzzfeed, yahoo and saveur that has features content from Cubes N Juliennes.