If you love fresh, vibrant flavors in your summer meals, Strawberry and Tomato Salad is about to become your new obsession. This dish marries sweet, juicy strawberries with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, all brought together by a tangy balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of basil. Quick to make and beautiful to serve, it’s light, refreshing, and bursting with colors that brighten any table. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a picnic, or just craving an easy, healthy lunch, this stunning salad promises a little burst of joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, seasonal ingredients make this Strawberry and Tomato Salad pop with flavor. Each component is chosen to create layers of color and taste, resulting in a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element truly matters:
- Fresh strawberries: Look for ripe, deep red berries—hulled and halved, they provide the signature sweetness and a juicy, tender chew.
- Cherry tomatoes: Choose a mix of colors if possible; their natural acidity balances the strawberries and adds a juicy snap.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, red onion adds mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn just before adding for maximum aroma and that unmistakable herbal brightness.
- Balsamic glaze: This sweet-tangy drizzle ties the salad together with rich, complex depth.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way; it helps all the flavors meld while providing a satiny finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Always season to taste—these simple staples make the bright flavors shine.
- Feta cheese (optional): If you like, sprinkle some over the top for a creamy, salty, and slightly tangy flourish.
How to Make Strawberry and Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by washing the strawberries and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Hull and halve the strawberries, and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Slice the red onion as thin as possible—this keeps their bite subtle and pleasant throughout the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Make sure the bowl is big enough for gentle tossing, which helps keep all those beautiful ingredients looking fresh and intact.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle olive oil and luscious balsamic glaze right over the fruit and onion. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a light coating. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper—these always bring out both sweetness and savoriness.
Step 4: Add the Basil
Tear the fresh basil leaves directly over the bowl (tearing releases their precious oils and flavor). Give the salad one last gentle toss so the basil is evenly distributed, but be careful not to bruise the delicate leaves too much.
Step 5: Finish with Feta (Optional)
If you’re using feta, sprinkle it generously across the top just before serving. The salty, creamy bites of cheese pair perfectly with the sweet strawberries and tangy tomatoes, adding an extra layer of luxury to your Strawberry and Tomato Salad.
How to Serve Strawberry and Tomato Salad
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, add a few extra basil leaves right before serving, or scatter some microgreens for extra freshness and flair. A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze can give a dramatic finishing touch, elevating the salad from lovely to irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, crisp roasted fish, or even a loaf of crusty artisan bread. The bright, juicy flavors of the Strawberry and Tomato Salad cut through rich main courses, making it a favorite alongside summer barbecues or light lunch spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the salad onto a bed of arugula or baby spinach for extra greens, or serve it in elegant glass jars for a quirky picnic treat. For parties, spoon individual portions into small cups and garnish each with a piece of feta and a basil sprig—guests will adore this colorful, grab-and-go starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry and Tomato Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 2 days, though the tomatoes and strawberries will release some juices, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as both strawberries and tomatoes become mushy once thawed. Their juicy textures are best enjoyed fresh, making this a lovely last-minute dish you can whip up without advance planning.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad! Serve it chilled or at cool room temperature. If the salad has been in the fridge, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry and Tomato Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance and store them separately, then toss together with the dressing and basil just before serving. This keeps everything crisp, vibrant, and full of flavor.
Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?
Absolutely! Omit the feta or use your favorite plant-based feta or crumbly vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. The salad remains just as delicious, bright, and satisfying.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
You can slice ripe, juicy tomatoes into bite-sized pieces if cherry tomatoes aren’t available. Just make sure to choose the sweetest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for the best result in this salad.
What can I use instead of basil?
Fresh mint or tarragon also pair beautifully with strawberries and tomatoes, giving the salad a slightly different but delightfully aromatic profile if basil isn’t your favorite or isn’t available.
Will this salad work as a main course?
While Strawberry and Tomato Salad is usually served as a starter or side, you can make it a more substantial meal by adding cooked quinoa, couscous, or tossing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry and Tomato Salad is a celebration of summer’s brightest flavors, combining the best sweet and savory ingredients in one truly joyful dish. Give it a try the next time you find gorgeous ripe berries and tomatoes—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful summer salad combining the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a balsamic glaze and fresh basil. This vegetarian dish is perfect for light lunches or as a side to grilled mains.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then gently toss to coat.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh basil and toss lightly again.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or crusty bread.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- You can add arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
