One of the best things about summer is garden-fresh tomatoes. What's even better is taking those tomatoes and making a Fresh Tomato Salad that's a great side dish to accompany our Family Favorite Chicken Recipes. Let me show you how to make the easiest tomato salad your family is going to love.

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 that's perfect as a side dish when serving grilled barbecue chicken.
Read more about how to grow amazing tomatoes and the steps we take to grow tomatoes in our garden every summer.
You need garden-fresh tomatoes from your own garden or a farmer's market. If you don't have a backyard garden, take a trip to the local farmer's market and grab a bunch of tomatoes. You'll be happy you did once you taste this Fresh Tomato Salad.
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!

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.

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Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
- Tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Salad dressing - I like to use my Homemade Italian Salad Dressing.
- Fresh chopped basil and parsley

Directions
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.

Next add the herbs. I always suggest using fresh herbs when making this fresh tomato salad. Add the fresh chopped parsley.

Then add the chopped fresh basil.

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing
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.

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.

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.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments and don't forget to rate it!

Ready for more great recipes?
- German Cucumber Salad - just like my Oma used to make.
- Ranch Salad Dressing
- Tuna Nicoise Salad
Fresh Tomato Salad

Fresh Tomato Salad made with garden-fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, parsley and Italian salad dressing.
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
I used beefsteak tomatoes for this recipe, but also recommend Roma, Plum or even Grape tomatoes.
You can also substitute the homemade Italian salad dressing for your favorite bottled brand.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 204mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 5g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
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! 🙂