Fresh and Flavorful Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe
This Marinated Tomato Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. The marinating process allows the tomatoes to soak up the dressing, creating a juicy, refreshing salad perfect for summer meals, barbecues, or everyday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced or cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the large tomatoes into wedges or thick slices. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion to create even pieces for a balanced bite.
- Arrange Salad Base: Place the prepared tomatoes and red onion in a large serving bowl or shallow platter, spreading them out evenly to allow for proper marination.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, flaky sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the marinade evenly over the arranged tomatoes and onions. Gently toss the ingredients with a serving spoon to coat all pieces evenly with the dressing without bruising the tomatoes.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil, parsley, and optional dill over the salad, distributing them evenly for a fresh herbaceous flavor and vibrant color.
- Marinate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow the tomatoes to absorb the flavors of the marinade, enhancing juiciness and taste.
- Final Toss and Serve: Before serving, gently toss the salad one more time to redistribute the dressing and herbs. Optionally garnish with feta cheese, mozzarella pearls, avocado slices, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added richness and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to prevent tomatoes from becoming too soft.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste after marinating.
- Optional add-ins like cucumber, feta cheese, or kalamata olives can customize the salad to your preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; do not freeze.
- Add fresh basil just before serving to retain vibrant flavor and aroma.
Keywords: marinated tomato salad, fresh tomato salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, easy tomato dish, healthy tomato salad
