This cherry tomato basil salad is one of those recipes I find myself making all summer long. It doesn't need much, just sweet, juicy tomatoes, plenty of fresh basil, and a simple dressing that lets everything shine. It is really easy to make and comes together unjust 10 minutes
It is very versatile and can be had as a snack or served with just about any meal. When tomatoes are in season, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy them.
You will also love Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, Cucumber and Beet Salad, Vietnamese Cucumber Salad, Cabbage and Carrot Salad and Indian Carrot Salad
Ingredient Breakdown
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the main ingredients for this salad. Just choose fresh and ripe ones.
You can use a mix of yellow and red ones for a burst of color.
Fresh Basil: I have so much growing in my garden. It is perfect for the salad.
Dressing: I have used extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the base of the dressing. Minced garlic clove, chilli flakes and fresh ground pepper add flavour to the salad.
Instructions
Take firm and ripe cherry tomatoes. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Cut into halves and keep aside in a bowl.
Prepare the dressing by mixing together extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt, pepper, chilli flakes and minced garlic.
Drizzle the dressing all over cherry tomatoes. Tear some basil leaves or finely slice them and add to the salad. Toss well and serve immediately.
Your tasty cherry tomato salad is ready to serve.
Expert Tips
1. Use ripe cherry tomatoes. This recipe is all about fresh ingredients, so good tomatoes really make the difference.
2. Tear the basil instead of chopping it. It keeps the leaves looking fresh and prevents them from turning dark too quickly.
3. Taste before serving. Sometimes the tomatoes are naturally very sweet and only need a little extra salt to bring out their flavor.
4. If you're making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the basil until just before serving so it stays bright and fresh.
5. This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, although leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a day.
Cherry Tomato Basil Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- ½ tsp. chilli flakes
- ¼ tsp. black pepper Freshly ground
- Salt to taste
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Instructions
- Take firm and ripe cherry tomatoes. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Cut into halves and keep aside in a bowl.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing together extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt, pepper, chilli flakes and minced garlic.
- Drizzle the dressing all over cherry tomatoes. Tear some basil leaves or finely slice them and add to the salad. Toss well and serve immediately.
- Your tasty cherry tomato salad is ready to serve.
Notes
2. Don't refrigerate the tomatoes before making the salad if you can help it. Room-temperature tomatoes have much better flavor.
3. Tear the basil instead of chopping it. It keeps the leaves looking fresh and prevents them from turning dark too quickly.
4. Taste before serving. Sometimes the tomatoes are naturally very sweet and only need a little extra salt to bring out their flavor.
5. If you're making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the basil until just before serving so it stays bright and fresh.
This salad is best enjoyed the day it's made, although leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a day.
6. If you eat dairy, you can add some mozzarella in the salad.
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