This fresh and simple Tomato Salad is a family favourite that tastes like summer in every bite. Bursting with juicy garden tomatoes, it’s an easy Italian-style dish you’ll make on repeat!
To you, this may just look like a great big bowl o’ tomatoes. And you may not be completely wrong but I want you to know that this family takes their tomato salads verrrry serious around here. It starts with the unwritten rule: If you have a garden (which you probably do if you’re an old Italian nonno) then you grow an abundance of tomatoes (and I mean an ABUNDANCE).
Once every inch of your backyard garden has a Tomato plant, you tend to them several times daily and prepare for unlimited tomato salads alllll summer long. Sure, there are other things you can do with hundreds of homegrown tomatoes but a daily tomato salad is ALWAYS on the top of that list. Just ask ANYONE in my entire family.
WHAT TOMATOES DO I USE FOR TOMATO SALAD?
Since this salad is so dang good and really is more than just some fresh tomatoes thrown into a bowl, don’t let only having store-bought ones deter you. We love using roma tomatoes but any should do! You want as fresh and juicy as you can find. Cut them up into relatively even bite-sized pieces. Annnd, you’re good to go!
The only mandatory rule for this thing from here on out is: you better have a chunk of crusty Italian bread waiting to soak up all the delicious juices (seriously THE BEST part) cause that’s just non-negotiable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tomato salad is super versatile! We keep this one pretty basic with garlic and sometimes fresh green olives. However, you can add fresh mozzarella, sliced cucumbers, red onions, olives, basil, or even a splash of balsamic glaze. A drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt go a long way, too. If you’re looking for more of a caprese-style tomato salad, try my tomato salad with bocconcini, red onions, and fresh basil!
Avoid mixing tomatoes with ingredients that overpower their flavour (like too much vinegar or very pungent cheeses). Also, watery ingredients (like certain lettuces) can dilute the taste and texture of a good tomato salad.
Crusty Italian bread is a must in my family! It’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. Tomato salad also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple pasta dish.
Tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just note: the tomatoes will release more juice and soften over time.
MORE GREAT SALAD RECIPES
TUNA SALAD WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
TOMATO SALAD
Ingredients
- 6 Roma Tomatoes*
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Olives, Hot Peppers, Basil* optional, see notes
- Italian Crusty Bread for serving, optional (but not really)
Instructions
- Roughly cut the tomatoes into small bite-sized chunks. My mom is a pro at this and could probably do it with her eyes closed but although they don't need to be chopped perfectly, I recommend keeping your eyes open. Put them in a large bowl.
- Roughly chop the garlic. We like to keep some in slightly bigger pieces (so not finely minced) but it's up to you how you wanna go about this. Throw it on top of the tomatoes.
- Add all the other ingredients and mix until everything is nicely combined and coated with the olive oil. That's literally it…the best tomato salad evvvvver. Don't forget the bread!!!
Notes
Nutrition
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