Cherry Tomato Salad

This cherry tomato salad is designed to showcase jewel-like cherry tomatoes at the height of the season. While you can add so much more to this type of salad, when the tomatoes are perfect, you don’t need to. A simple vinaigrette of oil and vinegar brightens the salad, and the aroma of fresh herbs highlights that pure, one-of-a-kind flavor of a summer-ripe tomato.

Cherry Tomato Salad Ingredients

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

• Cherry tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half for easy eating.
• Canola oil, white vinegar, salt and sugar: Whisk these four ingredients together for a simple dressing.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, basil and oregano are classic Italian seasonings that pair perfectly with tomatoes. If you’re missing one or have something else like thyme, feel free to mix and match.

Directions

Step 1: Start with the tomatoes

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

Place the sliced tomatoes in a shallow serving bowl.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, salt and sugar until blended, then stir in the herbs.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

Pour the dressing over the tomatoes, and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate the salad, covered, overnight.

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

Cherry Tomato Salad Variations

• Add cheese: While a perfect tomato doesn’t need anything, it’s undeniable that milky fresh mozzarella is a great match for fresh tomatoes. Either tear a larger ball of mozz into bite-sized pieces or add a smaller version, like mozzarella pearls. Or just serve fresh, creamy burrata on the side.
• Go whole grain: Make this salad a hearty entree or side by combining it with a cooked whole grain like farro, bulgur or quinoa.
• Turn a side into an appetizer: Serve this salad with toasted baguettes for a riff on bruschetta.

How to Store Cherry Tomato Salad

Store leftover cherry tomato salad, covered, in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can you make this salad with cherry tomatoes ahead of time?

While you can serve this salad immediately, allowing time for the herbal flavor to infuse the oil and tomatoes makes it extra delicious. Overnight is an ideal waiting period.

Cherry Tomato Salad Tips

Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home

How can I easily halve cherry tomatoes?

A sharp knife makes quick work of cherry tomatoes, but if you really want to speed things along, find a long, serrated knife (like a bread knife) and two flat, not-slip items (like two cutting boards, or two plastic storage lids). Place a group of cherry tomatoes on one surface and gently place the second on top to hold them in place while you slide the knife through their middles.

What type of cherry tomatoes should I use?

This cherry tomato salad recipe is all about the tomatoes, so any in-season variety will do. You can use larger cherry tomatoes, smaller grape tomatoes, extra-sweet and bright orange Sungold tomatoes or a combination of your favorite varieties and colors.

Are there tricks to easily mincing herbs?

Gathering the fresh herbs into a roll or bundle (minus any tough stems) and using a sharp knife to mince them is the simplest way to cut herbs. Dry herbs are much easier to mince, so ideally wash your herbs ahead of time and give them time to dry.