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This easy Cherry Tomato Salad is made with sweet, juicy tomatoes tossed in a simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s light, flavorful, and absolutely delicious any time of year.
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About This Recipe
Who else loves tomatoes? They’re my favorite. Especially cherry and grape tomatoes which are basically sweet little pops of sunshine. Whenever I have cherry tomatoes in the house (which is always), this cherry tomato salad is one of my favorite things to make. It’s absolutely perfect.
The key is marinating the tomatoes in a tangy, herby combo of balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and garlic. Just 30 minutes is enough to let the flavors soak in and create a vibrant, juicy salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, crusty bread, or your favorite summer recipes. While I love making this salad with cherry tomatoes, this recipe works with any variety of tomato you have on hand—heirloom, grape, or even chopped Roma. It’s also infinitely adaptable—add mozzarella, avocado, cucumbers, or whatever fresh ingredients you love.
Easy Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad
If your tomatoes aren’t in season or as sweet as you’d like, add a bit of honey or sugar to the marinade to balance the acidity and add a little sweetness.
Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Whisk everything together until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
Step 3: Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing.
Step 4: Gently toss the tomatoes until evenly coated in the vinaigrette. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Jessica’s Quick Tip: If you’re short on time or you’re missing some of the ingredients for the marinade, worry not! Simply replace it with a vinegar-based dressing. This homemade balsamic vinaigrette will give the most similar taste as it’s made with a balsamic base, but you could even try it with this easy Dijon vinaigrette or champagne vinaigrette.
Make It A Meal
This salad may be simple, but it’s fantastic and flavorful thanks to the naturally sweet cherry tomatoes and tangy-sweet balsamic marinade. It’s delicious addition to most mains, especially grilled meats, seafood, pasta, breads, and rice. Some of my favorite mains dishes to serve it with include grilled chicken skewers, juicy pan-seared steak or pork chops, and yummy lemon garlic mahi mahi. It’s also a quick and easy topping for bruschetta chicken or balsamic chicken– just add a little shredded parm and cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles and you’re good to go!
Looking for more tomato salad recipes? Try my Chickpea Tomato Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing, this simple Lettuce and Tomato Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette, or this Caprese Salad with Mozzarella.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although they have a similar size and shape, cherry tomatoes are generally round and larger than grape tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are smaller and more oblong, resembling the shape of a grape. Cherry tomatoes have thinner skins with a softer, juicier texture and a sweeter taste, whereas grape tomatoes are firmer and a bit more durable. In most cases, cherry and grape tomatoes can be used interchangeably. This recipe is a great example of that.
This is a really great question. Fresh herbs give this salad its vibrant flavor, but you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount, since dried herbs are more potent (concentrated).
Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoon fresh basil, minced
- 2 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a medium salad bowl or shake the dressing in a jar. Season to taste with additional salt or pepper.
- Add the tomatoes and gently toss to coat. Cover tightly and refrigerate for approximately 15-30 minutes to allow the tomatoes to marinate.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
- Optional additions: Mozzarella pearls, feta cheese, shaved parmesan cheese, avocado, olives, artichoke hearts, thinly sliced red onion, and cucumber.
- Storage Tips: This salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s made. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will soften making them a nice topping over cooked chicken, pasta, or toasted bread.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
