Marinated Tomato Basil Salad

This Marinated Tomato Salad is full of fresh flavor and can be used in many ways as a side dish or a topping for chicken, beef, or fish. You’ll be enjoying this simple tomato salad all summer long. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30. 

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
• Variations
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Serving Suggestions
• Need More Healthy Easy Recipes to Get You Through The Week?
• Marinated Tomato Basil Salad

If you, like me, have been waiting for tomato season all year, you will love this salad. There’s nothing better than freshly picked tomatoes directly off the vine.

This lovely marinated tomato basil salad can be eaten alone or as a healthy side dish. It’s perfect for a potluck or block party because it can be made ahead of time and tastes better as the flavors meld. Or add these marinated tomatoes to simple weeknight dinners to make them extra special.

Marinating tomatoes is one of my favorite ways to use garden tomatoes, especially during late summer. It would be a shame to resort these tasty fruits to the freezer only, so be sure you make a batch of cherry tomato salad recipe while you still can.

Ingredients

This Marinated Tomato Basil Salad comes together in 5 minutes and calls for a handful of simple ingredients. 

• Small tomatoes - fresh garden tomatoes like cherry or grape tomatoes are great options as they are sweet tomatoes and taste well with the rest of the ingredients, but feel free to use your favorite variety of tomatoes in this recipe.
• Healthy oil - extra virgin olive oil is great, but avocado oil is also a wonderful choice, and milder in flavor
• Balsamic vinegar - balsamic style coconut vinegar is my favorite but regular balsamic vinegar will also work
• Fresh basil - this flavorful herb goes well in this simple side salad
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt

How to Make Marinated Tomato Basil Salad

This simple salad recipe comes together quickly in one bowl. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.

Step 1.

Whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano, and salt in a small bowl.

Step 2. 

Cut tomatoes in half and add them to a medium bowl. Pour dressing over the top. Add fresh chopped basil and toss gently. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 3.

When ready to serve, toss gently and add more salt if needed.

Variations

Salads are generally versatile and can be modified to fit particular taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Check out these ideas:

• Change up the herbs: swap out the basil with any fresh herbs like parsley, dill, cilantro, or chives. They are packed with flavor and bring out the brightness of the salad.
• Try a different vinegar: I like using coconut vinegar but try this recipe with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a more tangy flavor
• Add more veggies: for extra flavor and texture, thinly slice red onion, cucumbers, or bell peppers and add to this basic recipe
• Substitute another type of tomatoes: I like to use smaller tomatoes but experiment with Roma tomatoes, beefsteak, or even heirloom tomatoes for a colorful salad
• Add cheese: fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese totally completes this easy salad and makes a lovely appetizer

Storage Instructions

The best way to store this marinated tomato salad is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep for up to 2 weeks when stored properly.

The juicy tomatoes will immediately begin releasing liquid, so it’s best to store this easy tomato salad in a container with a tight-fitting lid to avoid spillage.

If you have lots of fresh tomatoes, this is a great recipe to make ahead of time and have on hand when you want to add a punch of flavor to your dinner table.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with fresh tomatoes from my garden?

This easy Marinated Tomato Salad with Basil is a great way to use up the tomatoes from your garden. It’s versatile as it can go on any dish, yet simple enough to make. This simple salad is also great to double or triple the recipe as it holds up well in the refrigerator.

Do you have to peel tomatoes for salad?

Most salad recipes that call for tomatoes do not require them to be peeled. Furthermore, this Marinated Tomato Salad recipe calls for grape or cherry tomatoes which typically have thinner skin than the larger varieties like Roma tomatoes or beefsteak. 

Where can I find good quality tomatoes?

Look for ripe tomatoes at your local farmers markets for the best flavor. You may certainly find many types of tomatoes at a grocery store, but the quality may not be the best. 

Serving Suggestions

Marinated tomato salad can be enjoyed in various ways as part of healthy eating. Essentially, it can be added to any main dish to elevate the flavors. Or add blue cheese or feta cheese, diced cucumbers, olives, chickpeas, or lentils for some added protein directly to the tomato salad. 

Furthermore, check out these options for more ideas:

• on top of grilled fish or chicken dishes like Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
• scoop some of the simple tomato salad with a slotted spoon and add to a cheeseburger 
• perfect to top the steak and add a little bit of blue cheese for extra goodness
• use as a filling for tacos or burritos with leftover chicken
• add to your favorite lettuce for an easy and quick salad and use the brine as salad dressing
• top avocado toast or fried egg for the ultimate breakfast
• dress ricotta or burrata cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an easy appetizer

Need More Healthy Easy Recipes to Get You Through The Week?

• The Best London Broil Recipe
• Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
• Pineapple Grilled Chicken Skewers

Adapted from Allrecipes.