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Fresh Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil and Balsamic Recipe

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4.1 from 23 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Cherry Tomato Salad featuring halved cherry tomatoes dressed in a zesty blend of garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, garnished with aromatic basil leaves and seasoned with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • ¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and slice each one in half to create a bite-sized piece that will absorb the dressing better.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together until well emulsified to create a flavorful dressing.
  3. Toss Salad: Add the halved cherry tomatoes into the dressing and gently toss to coat all the tomatoes evenly with the dressing.
  4. Add Basil and Seasoning: Sprinkle the julienned fresh basil leaves over the salad. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then toss again lightly to incorporate the flavors.
  5. Serve: For best results, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve fresh as a vibrant side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh cherry tomatoes for the best sweetness and texture.
  • Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for pungency.
  • Letting the salad rest before serving enhances the flavor infusion.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or mozzarella for a creamy variant.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian