When tomatoes are bursting with flavor and summer is in full swing, nothing hits the spot quite like My Favourite Tomato Salad. It’s an ode to ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes, a tangle of fresh basil, and the simplest vinaigrette that wraps everything in freshness. This is one of those recipes that transforms a handful of staple ingredients into pure magic—light, refreshing, and truly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Celebration of Tomatoes: There’s no better way to let peak-season tomatoes shine—juicy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
- Ready in Minutes: This salad comes together in about ten minutes, making it perfect for impromptu meals or lazy summer evenings.
- Fresh Basil Magic: Sweet, aromatic basil brings vibrance and elevates each bite, so every forkful tastes straight from the garden.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you’re dressing it up for a dinner party or keeping things casual, My Favourite Tomato Salad fits right in (and disappears quickly!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
My Favourite Tomato Salad is all about celebrating the simple, honest flavors of summer produce. Every ingredient here plays an important role—don’t be tempted to skip or swap unless absolutely necessary! Each one contributes a unique burst of freshness, color, or savory sparkle.
- Ripe Tomatoes (4, about 180g/6oz each): Go for the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—heirlooms or classic round varieties both work. The more flavor, the better!
- Finely Minced Eschalots/Shallots (1 1/2 tsp): These lend gentle sweetness and a subtle bite without overpowering. If you can’t find them, try the white part of green onions or a pinch of minced red onion.
- Finely Minced Garlic (1/2 tsp): You’ll want to use a sharp knife, not a press, for the finest mince and mellowest garlic flavor.
- White Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and acidity to lift the flavor of the tomatoes, but you can easily swap for apple cider, sherry or even balsamic if you like a twist.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tbsp): The richness pulls everything together, so be generous and use the best you have.
- Cooking/Kosher Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the fresh flavors—don’t be afraid to season confidently.
- White Pepper (2 pinches): Lends gentle heat and keeps the salad looking clean, though freshly cracked black pepper is tasty too.
- Fresh Basil (1 1/2 tbsp, plus extra): Sliced into fine ribbons, basil brings that unmistakable summer aroma. A sprig or two for garnish makes it extra special.
Variations
This is one of those wonderfully flexible recipes, so trust your palate and pantry! My Favourite Tomato Salad is a dream to customize—feel free to riff on it depending on what you have or love, and don’t be shy about making it your own.
- Cheese Boost: Add creamy mozzarella balls, torn burrata, or sharp feta for an extra savory twist and a little richness.
- Herb Adventure: Swap basil for mint or fresh oregano, or add both for a unique flavor twist.
- Vinegar Variety: Use balsamic for a deeper, sweeter punch (just note it will darken the salad), or try sherry vinegar for complexity.
- Crunch Factor: Scatter a handful of toasted pine nuts or bread croutons on top right before serving for a satisfying crunch.
How to Make My Favourite Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by washing your tomatoes well and patting them dry. With a sharp knife, cut each tomato into about 8–10 even wedges, removing any tough core. Place the wedges in a large mixing bowl—it’s always a visual treat to see all those vibrant colors pile up!
Step 2: Build the Flavour Base
Scatter the finely minced eschalots and garlic over the tomatoes. Sprinkle in the salt and white pepper so their flavors dissolve into the juicy tomato flesh. This is where the magic really begins—those fragrant aromas signal something special ahead.
Step 3: Dress & Toss
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar evenly over the tomatoes. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together so the tomatoes get well coated but don’t break down. Add the fresh basil ribbons and toss once more to disperse the herbal fragrance through every bite.
Step 4: Serve & Savor
Pour the dressed salad into your favorite serving bowl (don’t forget those gorgeous juices!). Garnish with a few extra basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve My Favourite Tomato Salad straight away, with plenty of crusty bread at the ready to mop up every last drop.
Pro Tips for Making My Favourite Tomato Salad
- Room Temperature Tomatoes: Always use tomatoes that are at room temperature—cold tomatoes lose their sweetness and aroma.
- Gentle Tossing: Use your hands or a very large spoon to toss so the delicate wedges keep their shape and don’t turn mushy.
- Knife Work Matters: Finely mince the eschalots and garlic with a sharp knife; a garlic press releases harsh flavors that can overpower the salad.
- Season, Taste & Adjust: Tomatoes have varying sweetness and acidity—don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning or vinegar to suit your palate.
How to Serve My Favourite Tomato Salad
Garnishes
A few extra basil leaves scattered over the top add those gorgeous green flecks that make the salad sing. If you want to get fancy, a finishing drizzle of your best olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving can take My Favourite Tomato Salad from everyday to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
This salad loves company—serve alongside grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or rustic pasta dishes. For a lighter meal, pair with a wedge of frittata or tuck into warm pita with quick marinated chickpeas. And don’t underestimate just how good it is with warm, crusty bread and a little cheese on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating My Favourite Tomato Salad on a large platter for a rustic, family-style brunch, or spoon into individual cups for a picnic or elegant starter. If you’re hosting, layer with creamy mozzarella and grilled vegetables for a colorful centerpiece salad. It’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence at my table!), cover and refrigerate My Favourite Tomato Salad in an airtight container. Expect the tomatoes to release more juice, but those flavorful juices are absolutely lovely spooned over grilled bread or tossed with pasta the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for My Favourite Tomato Salad—tomatoes lose their texture and become mealy once thawed. For the freshest flavor and best bite, enjoy it fresh within a day or two.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—don’t try to reheat. If it chills in the fridge, simply let it sit out for a bit so the tomatoes reacquire their natural sweetness and full, robust flavor before serving again.
FAQs
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Can I make My Favourite Tomato Salad with cherry tomatoes?
Cherry or grape tomatoes can work beautifully, but they’re even better in a salad designed specifically for their sweetness and size. If you do use them here, simply halve or quarter them and proceed as directed—you might end up with slightly more juice and a juicier, more colorful result.
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What should I do if I can’t find eschalots/shallots?
If shallots aren’t available, the white part of a green onion or a little minced red onion will do in a pinch. The key is to mince finely so the flavor blends seamlessly into the rest of the salad without overpowering the tomatoes.
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How far in advance can I make My Favourite Tomato Salad?
You can prep the salad up to 2 hours ahead—just cover and let it sit at room temperature. The flavors meld as it sits, but any longer and the tomatoes may soften too much, so toss with basil just before serving for the freshest flavor.
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Can I add protein to make My Favourite Tomato Salad a meal?
Absolutely! Toss in drained white beans, grilled shrimp, slices of rotisserie chicken, or even a poached egg to make it hearty enough for lunch or a light dinner—the fresh flavors are a natural canvas for extra protein.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason I come back to My Favourite Tomato Salad all season long: its bright simplicity, bold flavors, and endless versatility make it utterly irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a bowl solo on a sunny afternoon, I hope you’ll try it soon. Don’t forget the bread—you’ll want every last drop!
Print
My Favourite Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and vibrant Tomato Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Tossed with fragrant basil, shallots, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Ripe Tomatoes:
- 4 tomatoes (180g/6oz each)
Eschalots:
- 1 1/2 tsp finely minced
Garlic:
- 1/2 tsp finely minced
White Wine Vinegar:
- 1 tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- 3 tbsp
Cooking / Kosher Salt:
- 3/4 tsp
White Pepper:
- 2 pinches
Basil Leaves:
- 1 1/2 tbsp finely sliced, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the Tomatoes: Cut tomatoes into wedges, removing the core. Place in a bowl.
- Season: Sprinkle eschalots, garlic, salt, and pepper over tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
- Toss: Gently mix to coat tomatoes. Add basil and mix again.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tomatoes – Ripe tomatoes are best, but even average tomatoes work well.
- Eschalots – Also known as shallots or French onions.
- Vinegar – White wine vinegar is recommended; other options include apple cider or sherry vinegar.
- Basil – Can be substituted with dried oregano if needed.
