Tomato Garlic Salad Recipe with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
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Picture a bowl of ripe cherry tomatoes glistening in garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley. This tomato garlic salad needs only 10 minutes of prep and no cooking. You toss everything together, let it rest, and the tomato juices turn into the dressing. This guide shows each step, with a result to check so you know it worked. The recipe serves 4 people, with 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of marinating.
Why this easy tomato salad works all year
Some salads need a long ingredient list and several tools. This easy tomato salad uses six main ingredients and one bowl.
It also belongs with the no cook recipes, so your stove stays free for the main dish.
You can serve it as an easy side salad next to almost any dinner.
Busy cooks often look for a quick side dish, and this one is ready after a short rest.
A covered container travels well, which makes it a good pick for potluck side dishes.
What you need for this garlic tomato salad
This garlic tomato salad uses simple ingredients, and every amount uses US measurements.
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Flaky salt, for serving
You can swap in grape tomatoes, which gives you more grape tomato recipes to try.
Here is how to pick cherry tomatoes. Choose ones that feel firm, look evenly red, and smell sweet near the stem.
How to marinate tomatoes step by step
Learning how to marinate tomatoes takes only three steps. Each step ends with a result you can check.
Cut the tomatoes in half
Cut each cherry tomato in half on a cutting board. You know it worked when you can see the seeds and a little juice runs onto the board.
Mix the garlic, oil, vinegar, and parsley
Stir 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar, and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley in a large bowl. The mixture should look glossy and evenly combined.
This base makes a simple tomato salad with olive oil and parsley.
Toss the tomatoes and let them rest
Add the tomatoes to the bowl and toss until each piece looks coated. Let the bowl rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. You know it worked when the tomatoes look glossy and their juices have mixed with the oil.
Stir in 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper right before you serve. Finish with a pinch of flaky salt.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
Each fix below ties back to a result in the steps.
If the bowl looks watery, you may have added the salt too early. Wait until right before you serve.
When the tomatoes look dry, give them the full 30 minutes to release their juices.
Raw garlic can taste sharp. Mince it finely so it spreads through the dressing.
What to serve with tomato salad
This garlic herb tomatoes dish works well next to grilled fish.
It makes a bright side dish for salmon, since the vinegar cuts through the rich fish.
It is also a fresh side dish for shrimp.
Cooks who plan salmon and shrimp meals can set the bowl on the table as a cool contrast to the hot protein.
It also works as one of your simple dinner sides on a busy night.
Adding it to a board
Charcuterie and cheese boards often need a fresh item, and a small bowl of this salad fits well.
Spoon the tomatoes into a small dish and set it beside the cheese.
Guests can pile it onto crackers, which makes it a handy salad for charcuterie board spreads.
Other ways to serve it
Pile the tomatoes onto toasted bread for a simple Mediterranean side dish.
The recipe has no meat, so it also works as a vegetarian side dish.
Every ingredient is naturally gluten free, so it can serve as a gluten free side dish. Check the label on your vinegar to be sure.
It also looks bright on a holiday table, which makes it a good holiday side salad.
Storing and making it ahead
Wondering how long does tomato salad last? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes soften over time.
Can you make tomato salad ahead? Yes, mix it earlier in the day and keep it in the refrigerator. Add the salt right before serving. That makes it a good make ahead salad for parties.
Common questions
What is the best way to marinate tomatoes?
Toss halved cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and parsley, then let them rest for 30 minutes. Add the salt right before serving.
How long does tomato salad last?
It keeps for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tomatoes soften over time.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, mix it earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Add the salt right before you serve.
What can I serve it with?
It works beside salmon, shrimp, or pasta, and it fits on a charcuterie board.
Ready to make your bowl
Save this tomato garlic salad recipe to your side dish board on Pinterest, and visit Dizzy Daisy Eats for more easy recipes.
Tomato Garlic Salad
Marinated cherry tomatoes tossed with garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley. A no cook side dish ready in 10 minutes plus a short rest.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Flaky salt, for serving
Instructions
- Cut each cherry tomato in half. You should see the seeds and a little juice on the cutting board.
- In a large bowl, stir together the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and parsley until glossy.
- Add the tomatoes and toss until each piece is coated. Let the bowl rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, until the tomato juices mix with the oil.
- Right before serving, stir in the salt and black pepper. Finish with a pinch of flaky salt.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the salt just before serving if you make it ahead.
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