This Tomato Garlic Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side dish bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and zesty herbs. Ready in just 10 minutes, this gluten-free, vegan-friendly salad is perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or as a topping for grilled mains. The simple yet bold combination of flavors will have you craving it again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5-6 medium ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or heirloom)

• 2 large garlic cloves, freshly minced

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic for a sweeter note)

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, or use stevia for a keto version)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions

1. Prep the Tomatoes:

   • Halve cherry tomatoes or dice Roma tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with 1 teaspoon salt and drain them in a colander for 5 minutes. This helps prevent excess liquid in the salad.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Combine the Salad:

   • Add the prepared tomatoes and fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.

4. Rest and Serve:

   • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1-2 days for later enjoyment.

Nutrients

Per serving (approximate, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 90-100 kcal

• Total Fat: 8 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Sodium: 150 mg

• Carbohydrates: 7 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugar: 3 g

• Protein: 2 g

This fresh and tangy salad is a quick and nutritious addition to any meal, adding a burst of flavor and brightness to your plate!

Why This Recipe Works

This Tomato Garlic Salad works because of its simplicity and the powerful combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ripe tomatoes provide sweetness and juiciness, while the minced garlic adds an aromatic punch. The extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar create a smooth, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the tomatoes. Honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance out the acidity, and the fresh basil brings a fragrant herbal note that ties everything together.

The technique of salting the tomatoes before making the salad helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring that the salad is not too watery. The result is a refreshing, well-balanced side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparing the Tomatoes: Flavorful and Crisp

For the base of this salad, you’ll need ripe, juicy tomatoes. Roma or heirloom tomatoes work best for their firm texture and robust flavor. Start by halving cherry tomatoes or dicing Roma tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. The key to avoiding a soggy salad is to toss the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt and drain them in a colander for 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture from the tomatoes, ensuring that the salad stays fresh and crisp.

Once the tomatoes are drained, they’re ready to be mixed with the dressing. This simple preparation ensures that the tomatoes retain their rich flavor while avoiding watery dressing.

Making the Dressing: Zesty and Tangy

The dressing for this Tomato Garlic Salad is simple yet full of flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or stevia for a keto version), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The garlic infuses the oil and vinegar with its aromatic flavor, while the vinegar adds a tangy kick. Honey brings a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious dressing that ties the whole salad together.

The beauty of this dressing is its versatility—you can adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste. For a sweeter salad, use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar, which will give the salad a richer, more complex flavor.

Combining the Salad: Fresh and Simple

Once the dressing is ready, add the prepared tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to combine, ensuring that the tomatoes are evenly coated in the dressing. The basil adds a fresh, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This short resting time allows the garlic and dressing to infuse the tomatoes, making the salad even more flavorful. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the salad for up to 1-2 days for later enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions

This Tomato Garlic Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables, and it can be served alongside pasta or as part of a larger salad spread. The refreshing, tangy flavors also make it an excellent topping for sandwiches or wraps, adding a burst of freshness.

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese, olives, or pine nuts, depending on your taste. The salad can also be served over a bed of leafy greens for a more substantial meal or used as a topping for pizza.

Why You’ll Love Tomato Garlic Salad

This Tomato Garlic Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish that adds brightness and texture to any meal. With its fresh, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and tangy dressing, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing. It’s an easy salad to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.

The flavors in this salad are bold but not overpowering, making it a versatile addition to many different types of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or serving it as a side, this salad will quickly become a favorite.

Conclusion

Tomato Garlic Salad is a simple yet delicious side dish that’s bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs—you can create a refreshing, tangy salad that will elevate any meal. The addition of honey (or stevia) adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity, while the basil provides a fragrant finish. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, a potluck, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with your favorite dishes or on its own for a light, refreshing bite!