Tomato Garlic Salad

Do you think salads have to be boring to be healthy?

You’re not alone if your idea of a salad is just lettuce with a little dressing. But what if we told you that a salad can be juicy, flavorful, and packed with bold taste—all without using leafy greens? That’s right! A Tomato Garlic Salad is a delicious surprise that’s both fresh and full of flavor. If you love tomatoes, garlic, and easy meals, this one’s for you.

This blog post will show you step-by-step how to make a simple, tasty Tomato Garlic Salad that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to put together!

What Makes Tomato Garlic Salad Special?

Tomato Garlic Salad

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• Author: nakisha
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Tomato Garlic Salad is a quick, vibrant, and refreshing side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the bold flavor of fresh garlic. Dressed simply with olive oil and herbs, it’s a fuss-free, healthy recipe that’s perfect for summer lunches, barbecues, or light dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 4 ripe tomatoes (cherry, Roma, or vine-ripened), chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes and cut them into halves (if using cherry) or small chunks (if using larger ones). Place them in a large bowl.
2. Chop the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Add the Flavor: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Optional Add-ins: Add thinly sliced red onion and fresh herbs if using. Stir gently again.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This helps the garlic flavor blend into the tomatoes.

Notes

For a milder garlic taste, soak the minced garlic in lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This salad tastes even better after sitting for a bit, but it’s best eaten within 1–2 days. Great as a side dish, on top of toast, or as a topping for grilled meat or fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Tomato Garlic Salad is all about simple ingredients coming together in a powerful way. It uses fresh tomatoes, bold garlic, and a splash of olive oil to make something that tastes like summer in a bowl. It’s quick to make, super healthy, and easy enough for anyone to prepare.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Time Required: Only 10 to 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Very easy—perfect for beginners
• Best For: Lunch, side dish, picnics, or a light dinner

What makes it stand out is its big flavor with very little effort. It’s also very flexible. You can change it up based on what you have in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

You don’t need many items to make this salad, but each one is important. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes or vine-ripened ones work great. Tomatoes are the base and bring a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder. It adds a sharp, savory taste that balances the sweetness of tomatoes.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives richness and ties everything together. It’s also heart-healthy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavor of the tomatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little kick.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Basil or parsley can add freshness and color.
• Red Onion (optional): Thin slices give crunch and extra zing.

Substitutions and Variations:

• No fresh garlic? Try roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.
• Out of olive oil? Use avocado oil or sunflower oil.
• Want a twist? Add feta cheese, olives, or even cucumbers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps so you can follow them easily.

1. Wash Your Tomatoes
   Rinse your tomatoes under cool water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Cut the Tomatoes
   • If you’re using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half.
   • If using larger tomatoes, slice them into bite-sized chunks.
3. Peel and Chop the Garlic
   Peel 2–3 cloves of garlic. Chop them very small or mince them. If you want a milder flavor, soak the chopped garlic in lemon juice for a few minutes.
4. Mix the Ingredients
   Place the chopped tomatoes in a large bowl. Add the minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons), a pinch of salt, and a bit of black pepper.
5. Toss Gently
   Use a spoon to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to squish the tomatoes.
6. Let It Rest
   Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the flavors come together.

Tips for Cooking and Prep:

• Use a sharp knife to avoid mashing the tomatoes.
• Fresh garlic is strong, so start with a small amount and taste before adding more.
• If your tomatoes are too watery, remove some seeds before chopping.

Assembly: How to Put It All Together

Assembling this salad is easy, but how you present it can make it even more inviting.

• Use a Wide Bowl or Plate: Spread the salad out so the colors show. It looks more beautiful and makes it easier to serve.
• Top with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for color and a fresh smell.
• Add Texture: Crumble a little feta cheese or sprinkle some toasted nuts if you want extra crunch.

Presentation Tips:

• Serve chilled for a refreshing bite.
• Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a gourmet look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best when it’s fresh, but you can still prepare it ahead of time.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Make-Ahead Tips: Chop the tomatoes and garlic ahead, but wait to mix in the oil and salt until just before serving. This keeps the salad from getting soggy.

Important Note: The garlic flavor gets stronger the longer it sits, so keep that in mind when storing.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun ways to change up this salad:

• Add Cheese: Try mozzarella balls or crumbled feta for a creamy texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make it Sweet: Toss in a few slices of strawberries or grapes.
• Go Crunchy: Add toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or croutons.

You can also add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.

Conclusion: Enjoy and Experiment!

Tomato Garlic Salad is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. With only a few simple ingredients, you can create something that’s flavorful, quick, and perfect for any time of the day.

Don’t be afraid to try different versions and make it your own. Whether you like it plain and simple or loaded with extras, this salad is always a win. So grab some fresh tomatoes and garlic, and get started today!

FAQs About Tomato Garlic Salad

Try this Tomato Garlic Salad and you’ll never look at salads the same way again. Simple, tasty, and totally unforgettable.