1. Can I make Tomato Garlic Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to add the oil, salt, and garlic just before serving so the salad stays fresh and crisp.

2. Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Tomatoes are full of vitamins like C and A, and garlic is great for your heart and immune system. Plus, olive oil adds healthy fats.

3. What kind of tomatoes work best?

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are great for bite-sized pieces. Heirloom and Roma tomatoes also work well

4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use a small pinch of garlic powder. Just know the taste won’t be as strong or fresh

5. How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The garlic flavor may become stronger over time.

6. What meals go well with this salad?

This salad is great with grilled chicken, fish, pasta, or even on top of toast. It’s also perfect as a side at barbecues or picnics.

7. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, just use a little less garlic if your kids are sensitive to strong flavors. The tomatoes make it sweet and fun to eat.

8. Can I use canned tomatoes?

Fresh is best, but if you must use canned, drain them very well. Be aware the texture will be softer.

Tomato Garlic Salad

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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.
Chop the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Add the Flavor: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Optional Add-ins: Add thinly sliced red onion and fresh herbs if using. Stir gently again.
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