Cherry Tomato Salad (One Bowl)

Quick and easy cherry tomato salad recipe that's fresh, healthy, made in one bowl in 10 minutes. It's loaded with parsley, lemon juice and cherry tomatoes.

We have been growing vegetables this Summer and used the first harvest in this healthy salad. I don't use a heavy salad dressing. Instead, I keep it very simple and classic.

All you just need is a bowl and less than 15 minutes to prepare. It still packs a lot of flavor even though it's made in such little time with such few ingredients. It tastes so fresh and delicious. If you want to make more salads like this, try my Tomato Avocado Salad (One Bowl).

Key ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes- Small tomatoes means less cutting necessary.
• Parsley- Adds color as well as flavor.
• Olive oil- Using high quality will enhance the overall taste.
• Lemon juice- Helps keep tomatoes fresh and adds a tanginess.
• Salt- Adjust according to your preference.
• Pepper- Gives just a touch of spice.
• Garlic powder- A great pairing with tomatoes.

Variations

• Italian version- Add 1 -2 teaspoon Italian seasoning in this recipe and mix well. With this added seasoning, I am reminded of the flavor of Marinated Tomatoes (One Bowl), which is another great side dish.
• Add feta- Sprinkle ¼ cup feta cheese on top of this salad.
• Use corn- To add color and extra flavor. Just add ½ cup frozen corn (thawed).
• Avocado version- All you need to do is add in small slices of 1 avocado.
• Add watermelon- Add 3 cups watermelon that are cut into 2 inch cubes. You may be surprised at how delicious watermelon can be in a salad. I especially enjoy this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint (One Bowl).
• Use basil- Instead of parsley, replace it with fresh basil.
• Add cucumbers- Mix together equal quantities of tomatoes and cucumbers. Then, flavor it with salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and basil, parsley or cilantro. You can also add in ⅓ cup of finely chopped or thinly sliced onions. It will be similar to this Cucumber Tomato Salad (One Bowl), and if you add some sour cream and mayonnaise you'll have something like this Creamy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad (One Bowl).
• Caprese salad- Mix together tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top. You can even just add in the mozzarella to the salad and call it good. Or just turn it into a simple appetizer like these Caprese Skewers (One Pan).
• Spice it up- By adding red chili flakes or chopped jalepenos.
• Add beans- Such as chick peas, kidney beans, or black beans to make it go further, add nutrition add color, and make it more filling.

How to make a healthy, flavorful tomato salad?

1. Place in a salad bowl- Tomatoes, parsley, oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 
2. Toss everything- Together until combined.
3. Cover and chill- To deepen the flavors.

What to serve with a marinated tomato side dish?

• Chicken- There are so many options, including Grilled Chicken Breast (One Pan) and Rotisserie Chicken, but some of my favorites are Honey Garlic Chicken (One Pan) and Chili Lime Chicken (One Pan).
• Breads- Dinner rolls, breadsticks, and croutons can all work well alongside the fresh salad.
• Beef- Another classic choice that brings in protein and makes a more rounded, filling meal. Some options you can try include Garlic Butter Steak Bites (One Pot), Ground Beef Quesadilla (One Pan), or even Perfect Roast Beef (One Pot).
• Pasta- Tomatoes and pasta go together as well as peaches and cream in my opinion, so there are so many choices to pair with this dish. I personally enjoy this Cheese Tortellini with Garlic Butter Sauce (One Pot) and Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (One Pot) the best.

Tips fand techniques

• Use cherry tomatoes- Instead of large tomatoes since they are easier to slice. Plus there are so many colors and varieties and makes the salad very colorful.
• Use very ripe tomatoes- To gain the maximum juiciness.
• Adjust the amounts- Of salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley, based on your preference.
• Use the best quality of olive oil- That you can find because it makes a difference.
• You can use lime juice- Instead of, or alongside, the lemon juice.
• Parsley can be replaced- With cilantro or basil.
• Add your favorite cheeses- Mozzarella, feta, cheddar, and more.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- This can be made up to 2 days before serving if kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Refrigerate- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
• Freeze- This is not recommended since upon thawing the tomatoes change texture. It's best served within a few days.

More easy side dishes

• Oven Roasted Asparagus (One Pan)
• Quick Oven Roasted Tomatoes (One Pan)
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe (One Pot)
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries (One Pan)
• Crispy Zucchini Fries (One Pan)

Recipe