Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this tomato garlic salad! It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate! Fresh, juicy tomatoes paired with the bold flavor of garlic create a simple yet delightful dish that screams summer. What I love most about this salad is how quick and easy it is to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You just chop, mix, and serve! Trust me, every bite is a refreshing explosion of flavor that’ll leave you craving more. Seriously, you’ll want to make this every week!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious tomato garlic salad:
- 4 ripe tomatoes: Look for juicy, vibrant tomatoes; they’re the star of this salad!
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced finely for that wonderful kick; you can adjust based on your love for garlic.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the salad.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch or two to enhance all those lovely flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped and aromatic; they bring a wonderful freshness to the dish.
How to Prepare Tomato Garlic Salad
Making this tomato garlic salad is as easy as pie—or should I say salad? You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, and trust me, it’s totally worth it for that fresh burst of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes: Start by chopping your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. The juicier, the better! Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the garlic: Mince the two cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a bit more for an extra kick!
- Drizzle the dressings: Next, pour in the 1/4 cup of olive oil and the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the tomato mixture. Oh, that aroma is heavenly!
- Season it up: Now, sprinkle in some salt to taste. Start with a pinch, mix well, and taste to see if you need more. You want those flavors to pop!
- Add the basil: Toss in the chopped fresh basil leaves and give everything a gentle mix. Be careful not to squish those lovely tomatoes!
- Serve it up: You can dig in right away, or for an even better flavor, chill the salad for about 30 minutes. This lets all those delicious flavors mingle and marry together beautifully.
And just like that, you have a refreshing tomato garlic salad ready to brighten up any meal! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes—perfect for those busy days!
- Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe tomatoes and fresh basil means each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or even as a light snack on its own.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- No-Cook Recipe: Just chop, mix, and serve—no cooking skills required!
Tips for Success
To make the best tomato garlic salad, start with fresh, ripe tomatoes—they’re the heart of this dish, so don’t skimp! I love heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for their flavor and color. When it comes to garlic, mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly and doesn’t overpower the salad. If you want a milder garlic flavor, try letting the minced garlic sit in the olive oil for a few minutes before mixing it in. And don’t forget, letting the salad chill for about 30 minutes really helps those flavors blend beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
This tomato garlic salad is not just delicious but also light and healthy! Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (which is about 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I add other ingredients to my tomato garlic salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like diced cucumbers, red onions, or even some feta cheese for a creamy twist. The sky’s the limit!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend mixing in the basil right before serving to keep it fresh.
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
This tomato garlic salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a refreshing side at barbecues. It’s also great on its own!
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare it a few hours in advance. Just remember to chill it for the best flavor!
Serving Suggestions
This tomato garlic salad is incredibly versatile and can really elevate your meal! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish—those smoky flavors complement the fresh salad perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try it with some crusty bread or a side of pasta; it adds a delightful brightness to the dish. It also makes a lovely topping for bruschetta or can be served as a refreshing side at barbecues and picnics. Trust me, it’ll be the star of the table, no matter what you pair it with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your tomato garlic salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to two days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed fresh! If you notice the tomatoes releasing too much juice, just drain a bit before serving again.
As for reheating, this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no microwaving needed! Just give it a gentle stir after it’s been in the fridge. If it seems a little dry, drizzle a bit of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to refresh those flavors. Enjoy every bite!
Tomato Garlic Salad: 5 Fresh Ingredients for Joyful Flavor
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and simple tomato garlic salad.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and place them in a large bowl.
- Add minced garlic to the tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
- Season with salt and mix well.
- Add chopped basil and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tomato garlic salad, fresh salad, Mediterranean salad
