Summer tomato salad with assorted cherry tomatoes and peaches in a simple dressing layered on top of cottage it! Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, summer tomatoes are the perfect star ingredient for a refreshing and vibrant salad.
There’s something magical about biting into a ripe tomato at the peak of summer. Whether you're planning a picnic, a BBQ, or just a light lunch, this summer tomato salad recipe is as simple as it is delicious.
What Makes This Summer Tomato Salad a Must-Try
- Seasonal goodness: Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes at their summer best
- Fast and fuss-free: Comes together in just 15 minutes or less
- Nutrient-rich and plant-based: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and naturally vegan
- Flexible and fun: Easy to tweak with whatever ingredients you have on hand
Ingredients for this Summer Tomato Salad
Tomatoes - You can use your choice of tomatoes for the salad. Any variety you like.
Stone fruits - Along with tomatoes, I also added a couple yellow peaches and nectarines.
Fresh basil - The combination of basil and summer tomatoes is unbeatable, so make sure you get some fresh basil leaves.
Shallots - To balance the sweetness of the tomatoes, I like to add some thinly shallots.
For the dressing - Olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper
Cottage Cheese - You can have the salad as is, but I like to spread it on a bed of cottage cheese and enjoy with sourdough toast.
Steps to prepare
Based on the size of tomatoes, slice it or dice it into bite size.
And similarly slice the peaches and nectarines.
Place all the cut tomatoes and other stone fruits in a bowl, along with thinly sliced shallots and fresh basil leaves.
Prepare the dressing by whisking everything into a smooth consistency.
Pour the dressing to the bowl and give a mix.
On a plate, layer the cottage cheese evenly.
Top the salad and add few more fresh basil leaves on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tomato Salad
- Use room temperature tomatoes for the best flavor.
- I used only basil, but you can more freshness by adding parsley or mint to the mix.
- Try a mix of different tomato varieties for color and texture contrast.
- I added cottage cheese, but you can use soft cheeses like burrata or goat cheese for creaminess.
- For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
It will be amazing as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Toss with pasta or quinoa for a more filling meal.
On top of toasted bread is my absolutely fav way to enjoy this salad.
With hummus or falafel for a Mediterranean twist
FAQs
Tomato salad is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the dressing and slice the onions ahead of time. Combine everything just before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the tomatoes may release water and become softer over time.
Heirloom tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. The key is using ripe, in-season tomatoes.
Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, white beans, or fresh mozzarella all pair well with summer tomatoes.
This summer tomato salad highlights the freshest flavors of the season. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, it brings the essence of summer to your table.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or having a relaxed meal outside, it's an easy favorite you'll keep coming back to.
More summer salads to try
Grilled Watermelon Shishito Peppers Salad
Panzanella Salad with Fruit and Cold Cut Meat
Summer tomato salad
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Assorted summer tomatoes
- 1 Yellow Peach
- 2 White Nectarine
- 10 Large Basil Leaves (Plus few more to add later as a garnish)
- 1 Shallot
- ¼ Cup Cottage Cheese
Salad Dressing
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 Tsp Honey
- Salt as per taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and the stone fruits into wedges or big slices as per your choice. Add that to the bowl.
- To the same bowl, add the finely sliced shallots and finely chopped basil leaves to it.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking everything into a smooth consistency. Pour the dressing to the chopped tomatoes and fruits and toss it around.
- To a plate, layer the cottage cheese and top the tomato salad on top. Add a few more basil leaves on top and enjoy the summer tomato salad.
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