This Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad highlights the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes, enhanced by a bright, zesty dressing and fragrant herbs. The simplicity of this salad makes it a perfect side dish for summer meals, or a quick snack. Using multicolored tomatoes can elevate its presentation and flavor even more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallot

• 1 tsp honey

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground pepper

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, shallot, honey, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.

2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.

3. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, basil, and mint.

4. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 103 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugars: 7 g (including 2 g added sugars)

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 7 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 1365 IU (27% DV)

• Vitamin C: 21 mg (23% DV)

• Folate: 25 mcg (6% DV)

• Sodium: 316 mg (14% DV)

• Calcium: 24 mg (2% DV)

• Iron: 1 mg (4% DV)

• Magnesium: 20 mg (5% DV)

• Potassium: 385 mg (8% DV)

Why Choose Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad?

This salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish full of flavor. The cherry tomatoes are the star of the show, with their sweet and juicy taste, which is further enhanced by a zesty, tangy dressing. The combination of white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil creates a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that ties the ingredients together.

Fresh herbs like basil and mint are added for an extra layer of flavor and fragrance, making this salad refreshing and bright. Letting the salad marinate for just 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your diet while enjoying a light, healthy dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad is not only delicious but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:

• Calories: With just 103 calories per serving, this salad is a light, refreshing option that fits well into a balanced diet.

• Carbohydrates: The salad contains 9 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from the natural sugars in the cherry tomatoes. It also provides 2 grams of fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.

• Sugars: There are 7 grams of sugar, including 2 grams of added sugars from the honey used in the dressing. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is complemented by the honey, creating a perfect balance.

• Protein: With 2 grams of protein per serving, this salad provides a small but important amount of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

• Fat: The salad contains 7 grams of fat, with 1 gram of saturated fat. The healthy fats from the olive oil contribute to a creamy texture while providing essential fatty acids that support heart health.

• Vitamins: The salad is rich in Vitamin A (1365 IU), which supports healthy vision and immune function, and Vitamin C (21 mg), which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. It also provides Folate (25 mcg), important for cell growth and regeneration.

• Minerals: The salad contains Magnesium (20 mg) for muscle and nerve function, Potassium (385 mg) for heart health, Calcium (24 mg) for strong bones, and Iron (1 mg) to help carry oxygen through the blood.

How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad

This salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a hassle-free side dish. Here’s how you can make it:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, finely chopped shallot, honey, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. The white balsamic vinegar provides a tangy base that complements the sweetness of the honey and the sharpness of the mustard.

2. Emulsify the Dressing:

   • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This will help the dressing emulsify, creating a smooth and well-blended vinaigrette.

3. Fold in the Tomatoes and Herbs:

   • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the dressing, along with the chopped fresh basil and mint. Gently fold everything together, ensuring that the tomatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Marinate:

   • Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together. This brief marinating time helps the tomatoes soak up the dressing and enhances their flavor.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the salad at room temperature for the best flavor. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors with every bite.

Serving Suggestions

This Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad can be served on its own as a light snack or paired with other dishes to create a well-rounded meal:

• As a Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables. It’s a great accompaniment to BBQs, summer dinners, or picnics.

• With Bread: Serve it with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious dressing.

• On Top of Greens: Add it to a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial salad. The flavors work wonderfully with arugula, spinach, or kale.

• As a Snack: If you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack, this salad is perfect on its own, offering a refreshing and satisfying bite.

Customization Options

This salad is highly adaptable, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Tomato Variety: While cherry tomatoes are the base, feel free to use other types of tomatoes, such as heirloom or grape tomatoes, for added variety in flavor and color.

• Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have basil or mint, you can substitute with other herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley for a different flavor profile.

• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with maple syrup, agave, or stevia.

Conclusion: A Simple and Flavorful Summer Salad

The Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad is the perfect combination of bright, fresh flavors and simple preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, it creates a dish that is both healthy and satisfying. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes, enhanced by the zesty dressing and fragrant herbs, makes this salad a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish, or a refreshing summer salad, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and bold, tangy flavors.