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
- 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.
- 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.
- Toss Salad: Add the halved cherry tomatoes into the dressing and gently toss to coat all the tomatoes evenly with the dressing.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian