Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs is a refreshing, vibrant dish that brings out the best of summer tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, white vinegar, and a touch of sugar, with fresh parsley, basil, and oregano rounding out the flavors.

Close-up of a fresh tomato salad with fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette dressing in a white bowl.

Table of Contents

Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe

This simple tomato salad is perfect for the warm months when garden-fresh tomatoes are abundant. It’s easy to prepare and brings together a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a refreshing salad that pairs well with many dishes, including Chickpea Burgers, grilled vegetables, Spanakopita Pasta, or as a topping for leafy greens.

As a home cook, I love using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the garden. There’s something special about picking tomatoes right off the vine or the farmer’s market when they’re at their peak. I hope you enjoy this simple salad as much as we do.

Garden Tips for Growing the Best Tomatoes 🌱

Start Indoors: Begin tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once seedlings are a few inches tall and outdoor temperatures are consistently warm, transplant them into your garden or raised bed.

Pick the Right Spot: Tomatoes need full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. A sunny, well-drained area will ensure the best harvest.

Watering: Tomatoes require regular watering. Ensure the soil is consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.

Harvesting: For the best flavor, pick tomatoes when they’re fully ripe, bright in color, and slightly firm to the touch. Regularly check for ripe tomatoes and harvest them promptly to encourage further growth.

Close-up of ripe, red grape tomatoes on a green vine.

Ingredients for Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs

Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes have a firm texture and juicy flavor, making them ideal for salads. They hold up well and release just the right amount of juice to flavor the dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the vinaigrette, while bringing out the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.
White Vinegar: The acidity of white vinegar balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar, helping to create a tangy vinaigrette that complements the fresh veggies.
Granulated Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the vinegar, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the full flavor of the ingredients.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, sweet, and aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
Fresh Oregano: Earthy and slightly peppery, this herb rounds out the salad and adds a bit of depth.
Fresh Parsley: Light and bright, parsley enhances the overall freshness.

How to Make Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs

STEP ONE: Prep the Tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Depending on their size, you can halve or quarter them and then place them into a medium-sized bowl.

STEP TWO: Make the Dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, salt, and sugar.

STEP THREE: Combine.
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss gently to coat.

STEP FOUR: Add Herbs.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley, basil, and oregano over the salad. Toss again to mix everything together.

STEP FIVE: Chill.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to develop. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Storage: This tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes may release some juice as they sit, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Close-up of halved grape tomatoes dressed with vinaigrette and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

FAQ for Tomato Salad

Can I use different types of tomatoes in this recipe?
Yes! While grape tomatoes work best for their sweetness and firmness, you can also use cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions would all work well in this salad, adding more crunch and freshness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even best after it’s had time to marinate. You can make it a few hours ahead or even the night before to let the flavors meld together.

Fresh tomato salad with basil garnish and the words "Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs" on green banner across middle.

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