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If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and color, the Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the juicy tang of fresh tomatoes creates a delightful harmony that your taste buds will adore. This salad is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick snack, an elegant appetizer, or a light meal all on its own. Whether it’s the bright colors or the fresh, summery taste, this salad will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, creaminess, or herbal freshness. These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries: Hulling and slicing fresh strawberries ensures every bite is juicy and sweet.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring a lovely tang and vibrant color; heirloom varieties add extra flavor.
- 1/2 cucumber (optional): Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that balances the salad perfectly.
- 1/4 red onion: Thin slices lend a mild sharpness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil: Chopped basil infuses a fragrant, slightly sweet aroma that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The base of the dressing, olive oil adds richness and smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Or apple cider vinegar for a zingy, slightly sweet acidity to brighten the salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): A touch of honey mellows the acidity and amplifies the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Creamy feta adds a savory contrast, making every bite more indulgent.
How to Make Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
Start by hulling the strawberries and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, or if you’ve chosen heirloom tomatoes, chop them into chunks to capture more flavor. If using cucumber, slice it thinly so it adds a refreshing crunch without overwhelming the salad. Finally, thinly slice the red onion to bring a gentle zing. These fresh preparations set the stage for an irresistible salad.
Step 2: Combine in a Mixing Bowl
Place all your prepped strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into a large mixing bowl. This lets you easily toss everything together later, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully without bruising the delicate ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. If you like a hint of extra sweetness, drizzle in that teaspoon of honey. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mixing your own dressing lets you control the balance perfectly, complementing the natural sweetness and acidity of the fruits and vegetables.
Step 4: Toss the Salad Gently
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with a large spoon or salad tongs. Be careful not to mash your strawberries or tomatoes; you want them intact to keep their lovely texture and fresh burst of juice in every bite.
Step 5: Add Fresh Garnishes
Top your salad with chopped fresh basil and sprinkle the creamy feta cheese if you’re using it. These garnishes add a final touch of freshness and rich flavor that elevates the whole dish to new heights.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad is best enjoyed right after tossing, while the flavors are vibrant and fresh. Serve it as a light starter, a colorful side, or even a stand-alone meal on a warm day.
How to Serve Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves not only add vibrant green color but also an herbal brightness that complements the sweetness and acidity in the salad. Crumbled feta cheese offers a creamy, salty contrast that makes each forkful exciting. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper are also delightful options to elevate the salad’s flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, summery meal. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread or a cheesy flatbread to soak up the luscious dressing. For vegetarians, try serving it with a quinoa or couscous bowl for a balanced and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter with whole basil leaves and extra slices of strawberries and tomatoes on top. Layering in mason jars or clear bowls can make this salad an eye-catching addition to any picnic or party table. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens to stretch it into a heartier salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the delicate strawberries and dressing, it’s best eaten within a day to preserve freshness and texture. The salad may release some liquid over time, so gently drain any excess before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Strawberries and tomatoes become watery and mushy when thawed, which affects the bright texture and flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Reheating
Since the Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Serve straight from the fridge or allow it to sit for a few minutes to take the chill off before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes are great for their sweetness and size, but heirloom tomatoes bring an extra depth of flavor and variety of colors that make the salad even more visually appealing. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Is it necessary to add feta cheese?
Feta cheese is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a creamy, salty contrast. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter salad, feel free to skip it or try vegan cheese alternatives.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to toss the salad with dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess and maintain fresh textures.
What can I substitute if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar works wonderfully in this recipe, providing enough acidity without overpowering the natural sweetness of the strawberries and tomatoes.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or cooked quinoa can turn this salad into a satisfying main dish without losing its fresh and light qualities.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture makes every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to share with friends and family. Give it a try soon—you may just find your new favorite salad that brightens up any meal.
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Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry and Tomato Salad combining fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing with fresh basil and optional feta cheese for creaminess. Perfect as a light starter, side dish, or a healthy, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or heirloom tomatoes)
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or whole leaves for garnish)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits: Slice the strawberries and tomatoes, and cut the cucumber (if using) into thin slices. Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, crunchy element to the salad.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Place the sliced strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large mixing bowl ensuring they are evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced, tangy dressing that complements the sweetness of the berries.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly, taking care not to mash the strawberries and tomatoes to maintain their shape and texture.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad for a burst of herbaceous flavor, and add crumbled feta cheese if using, to introduce a creamy, salty contrast.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness. It works beautifully as a light starter, a side dish to grilled meats, or a refreshing standalone meal on warm days.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries and tomatoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- The cucumber is optional but adds a pleasant crunch to the salad.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the honey and feta cheese.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and honey according to your taste preference for acidity and sweetness.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid making it too far in advance to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure all ingredients are free from cross-contamination.
