We are lucky to have access to the freshest vegetables all year round. So, I never use frozen veggies anymore. The one ingredient every week in our salad is cherry tomatoes. And I am so happy to be able to get a large variety of cherry tomatoes. Adding a combination of different color cherry tomatoes is an appetizing way to make this salad. I usually make a big batch, and yet, we never had leftovers.
Why make this salad
This tomato salad is a tasty treat for anyone looking for something light and quick.This is an everyday salad that gets ready in a snap.You can serve this as a healthy side dish for starch with any protein. In fact, I often will eat my main course such as grilled chicken or salmon with salad instead of rice or potatoes. The other great thing about this salad is that you can make it ahead of time. Make-ahead means the tomatoes absorb so much more flavor. Almost everything in this salad can be switched or substituted. Previously, I shared the cherry tomato mozzarella salad with pine nuts. It is still one of the salads I always make when entertaining.
Ingredients and substitutes
Tomatoes – I am using a variety of cherry tomatoes in different colors. But you can also use just one or a few varieties of grape tomatoes.Onions – Add a pungent sweetness and crunch, which you will not regret. Having said that, if you don’t like raw onions, please leave them out. Vinegar – I am using apple cider vinegar but regular, or red wine vinegar can also be used. And if you don’t like vinegar, lemon juice works just as well. For a deeper flavor and color try balsamic vinegar which is a wonderful with cherry tomatoes. Veggies – today, I am not using any cucumber but feel free to add a diced english cucumber to the bowl. Herbs – I am using fresh parsley but cilantro, dill, chives, fresh basil leaves are a great combination with tomatoes too. Optional ingredients Garlic – you can add a sliced fresh garlic or some garlic powder in the salad dressing. Cheese – sprinkle some feta cheese on top of the finished salad.
Best cherry tomato salad recipe
Salad dressing – In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil – use a whisk and combine well.Onions – In a large bowl, add the onions to a bowl along with 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Combine this well.Pro tip – Time permitting, let the onions marinate for 5 minutes. Marinating the onions with the dressing first takes away the raw taste of onions and softens them up.Salad – Then, add the tomatoes, remaining dressing, and parsley. Combine well.Enjoy!
Variations
Chicken tomato salad – make a complete meal for lunch or dinner. Add upto 2 cups of diced cooked chicken breast to the salad.Green tomato salad – Add a few chopped lettuce or arugula leaves to the tomato salad.Tuna tomato salad – Add a can of drained and flaked tuna to the salad.Shrimp tomato salad – Add upto 2 cups of sauteed shrimps to this tomato salad.Tomato avocado salad – add one diced ripe but firm tomato to the salad. Cucumber tomato salad – add one diced cucumber to this tomato salad.Egg tomato salad – add 2 chopped boiled eggs to this salad and dressing.Tomato pasta salad – Add 2 cups of boiled pasta to this salad and stir well to combine so the salad dressing will coat the pasta.
More salad recipes
Cherry Tomato Salad – Tomato Mozzarella SaladChickpeas Salad or Couscous SaladBeet SaladAsian Salad RecipeLebanese Roasted Eggplant SaladEasy Celery Salad Recipe with Cranberries and PecansEasy Cabbage Salad or Quick Carrot Salad
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