If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, this Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy strawberries mingling with ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a simple yet tangy balsamic dressing. Each bite bursts with color and texture, making it not only a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a quick snack, this salad is incredibly easy to whip up and always guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with many great dishes, the magic lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each element in this salad plays an essential role: from the sweetness of the strawberries to the tang of balsamic vinegar, every bite is well thought out and harmonious.
- Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, hulled, and sliced strawberries to add juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes (or heirloom for deeper flavor) provide acidity and brightness.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds an optional refreshing crunch that complements the softness of the strawberries and tomatoes.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness and a beautiful pop of purple color.
- Fresh basil: Chopped or whole leaves lend that classic herby freshness essential in balancing the salad.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of good quality olive oil helps carry the flavors and add smoothness to the dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar: Or apple cider vinegar, it adds a lovely tangy depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits and vegetables.
- Honey: Optional but highly recommended; just a teaspoon brightens the dressing with subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these are crucial for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta is optional but adds a creamy, salty contrast that takes the salad to the next level.
How to Make Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
Start by hulling and slicing fresh strawberries, then halve your cherry tomatoes or chop heirlooms if you prefer. If you’re including cucumber, slice it thinly to keep that refreshing crunch without overpowering the other ingredients. Finally, thinly slice the red onion—this will add a mild peppery bite that lifts the salad beautifully.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
Once your fruits and vegetables are ready, gather them all in a large mixing bowl. This makes the tossing process easier and helps the flavors meld better once you add the dressing.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you like a lighter touch), honey if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste this dressing and adjust seasoning as needed — remember, it should taste lively and hint at sweetness with a bit of tang.
Step 4: Toss the Salad Gently
Pour the dressing over your strawberry, tomato, cucumber, and onion mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat everything without mashing the delicate strawberries and tomatoes. The goal is to blend flavors while keeping the texture intact.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Feta
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for herbaceous warmth. If you love creamy contrasts, crumble some feta cheese on the salad. This last step adds a lovely richness and saltiness that rounds out the dish perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the brightness of each ingredient. Arrange it on a pretty platter or keep it simple and serve straight from the bowl as a lovely starter or side dish.
How to Serve Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or edible flowers make delightful garnishes that add both color and fresh herbal notes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also enhance the shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
This strawberry and tomato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even on a picnic alongside fresh bread and cheeses. Its light, fresh profile makes it a perfect complement to hearty, savory mains without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars so the vivid colors shine through. You can also turn it into a layered salad with greens or quinoa for an elevated lunch bowl idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Since the dressing touches soft fruit, it’s best eaten within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh, delicate nature of strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumber, which lose their texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, just give it a gentle toss before serving if it has been refrigerated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
For the best texture and flavor, fresh strawberries are highly recommended. Frozen strawberries tend to become mushy and watery, which can make the salad soggy.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Absolutely! You can use goat cheese for a similar creamy texture or omit cheese entirely if you prefer a dairy-free version. Toasted nuts or seeds can also add a nice crunch as an alternative.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients separately, such as slicing the fruits and vegetables and making the dressing, but it’s best to toss the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
Cherry tomatoes are great for their sweetness and size, but heirloom tomatoes add complex flavors and a lovely rustic look. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best taste.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply skip the feta cheese and use a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it plant-based and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the tips and steps, I encourage you to dive in and try this Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe. It’s such a delightful way to brighten up your meals with fresh flavors and beautiful colors. Perfect for warm days, simple dinners, or anytime you want a burst of freshness on your plate. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious this salad comes together!
Print
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 fresh and vibrant Strawberry and Tomato Salad perfect for a light starter or side dish. This refreshing salad combines sweet strawberries, tangy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber with a simple balsamic dressing, fresh basil, and optional creamy feta cheese for a burst of summer flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or use heirloom tomatoes for more flavor)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits: Slice the strawberries and cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the cucumber if using. Also, thinly slice the red onion to ensure all ingredients are ready for assembling.
- Combine the Ingredients: Place the sliced strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large mixing bowl, preparing the base of the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey if using, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, taking care not to bruise or mash the tender strawberries and tomatoes.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad and add crumbled feta cheese for creaminess if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing starter, side dish, or a light meal on its own.
Notes
- For an even more flavorful salad, use heirloom tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
- To keep the salad fresh, add the dressing just before serving.
- The cucumber is optional but adds a satisfying crunch.
- Feta cheese can be omitted to make the salad vegan; in that case, also omit honey or substitute with maple syrup.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing depending on the sweetness of strawberries.
