There's nothing like a Fresh Tomato Salad made with the best summer produce.
Made with garden-fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a simple Italian vinaigrette, and a handful of fresh basil – this is a classic combination that never gets old.
It's the perfect summer vegetable side dish recipe for grilling or a delicious light lunch.
Every year we try our best to grow a few varieties in our backyard garden. And every year we wait patiently for the tomatoes to ripen so we can enjoy this juicy tomato salad made with the freshest ingredients.
It's perfect as a side dish when serving grilled barbecue chicken – a burst of summer flavor on your plate.
My mother always says the best part of a homemade tomato salad is using a hunk of Italian bread to 'sop' up all that delicious, juicy goodness.
Table of Contents
What type of Salad Dressing to use?
I have made this recipe using bottled salad dressing as well. However, I do enjoy the taste of my homemade recipe.
I love mixing the ingredients together and storing them in this handy salad dressing mixer bottle. There is a whisk attached to the cap that allows you to mix the ingredients up perfectly right before pouring the dressing.
- The Emulstir is the ideal way to mix up your favorite homemade salad dressing and store the mixture without the hassle of separation. Infuse vinegars, oils, and seasonings into your dressing evenly with the twisted stir stick.
What is the Best Tomato for Salad?
For the ultimate Fresh Tomato Salad, you need those perfectly ripe, garden-fresh tomatoes – either from your own backyard or a local farmer's market.
If you don't have your own garden, celebrate tomato season with a trip to the market and grab a vibrant selection.
In my opinion, the best tomato for this Fresh Tomato Salad is a big juicy beefsteak tomato. They hold their shape really well while slicing too. However, I have also used the following:
- Grape tomatoes - are fun to use because you don't really have to cut or slice them. Just toss them with the dressing and the salad is done!
- Roma or Plum tomatoes - they have a real garden flavor to them and are great in a salad, but even more so, they're great in marinara sauces.
- Heirloom tomatoes are also great for a salad. They're also delicious sliced on top of a sandwich.
Top Tip
Read more about how to grow amazing tomatoes and the steps we take to grow tomatoes in our garden every summer.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
14 Pieces Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids Set,Glass Salad bowls Nesting Glass Storage Bowl for Kitchen, Baking,Microware,Freeze and Dishwasher Safe
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Cups and Spoons,Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Medium)1 pc Herb Mill Chopper Cutter Mince Stainless Steel Blades Safely New ( Color: White & Green)Updated Herb Scissors Set - Herb Scissors With 5 Blades and Cover
Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Add a kick of heat with a finely diced jalapeño pepper or a sprinkle of your favorite chili powder.
Switch out the mozzarella for salty feta cheese or try creamy burrata for a luxurious bite.
For extra crunch, toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or some homemade croutons.
Make sure you also serve a few rustic French baguettes to dip into the juices this salad produces. My mother says that's the best part of this recipe!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cut the tomatoes into chunks. Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into bite sized pieces. You can also choose to use pearl sized fresh mozzarella. That wasn't available for me when I was in the grocery store the other day.
Step 2: Next add the herbs. I always suggest using fresh herbs when making this fresh tomato salad. Add the fresh chopped parsley.
Step 3: Then add the chopped fresh basil. Stir to combine.
Homemade Italian Salad Dressing
Step 4: Toss all the ingredients into a bowl and add the Homemade Italian salad dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Before You Begin!
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How do you store Tomato Salad
Fresh tomato salad is best eaten the day it's prepared but it will last up to a day or maybe two if you store it in an air-tight container. Of course this is contingent on the fact that you actually have leftovers.
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Fresh Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes; chopped or about 3 cups chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- ¼ cup homemade Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, chopped basil and chopped parsley together.
- Add the homemade Italian salad dressing and toss to combine.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss to combine and let stand for at least 10 or up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Terri says
Oh yum
Terri says
Looks like a perfect summer meal.
Lois says
Thanks so much for visiting today Terri!
Dana Rodriguez says
Looks DELISH!
Lois says
Thanks for visiting! This is a summer favorite recipe for sure!
Dana Rodriguez says
I gad to pin it!!! Tomatoes are one of my favorite!
GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart says
Sure looks delicious! 🙂
Cranberry Morning says
Is there basil in there too? It looks like it in the photo, but I don't see it in the recipe. Looks delicious! 🙂