Summer on a plate – that’s the best way I can describe this Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad. Honestly, it’s become a staple in our household, especially when the garden is overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes. There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes, salty, crumbly feta, and fragrant herbs. The first time I made this, I was looking for a quick and easy side dish to accompany grilled chicken, and it was an instant hit. My family, even the veggie-skeptical ones, devoured it! What I love most is its simplicity – just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you’re rewarded with a salad that’s bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to elegant summer gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad, it will become your go-to recipe whenever you crave a light, refreshing, and utterly delicious side or even a light lunch.

Ingredients for the Perfect Tomato & Feta Salad

• Ripe Tomatoes: (Approximately 2 lbs) The star of the show! Choose a variety of ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Heirloom, Roma, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. Their sweetness and juiciness are essential for the salad’s vibrant taste.
• Feta Cheese: (8 oz block) Look for good quality feta cheese, preferably sheep’s milk feta for the most authentic and tangy flavor. It provides a salty, creamy counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Red Onion: (½ medium) Adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the other flavors. Red onion is milder than yellow and provides a beautiful color contrast.
• Fresh Basil: (½ cup, packed) The quintessential summer herb! Fresh basil brings a sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery note that complements both tomatoes and feta perfectly.
• Fresh Mint: (¼ cup, packed) Adds a refreshing, cool, and slightly sweet counterpoint to the basil and other flavors. Mint elevates the salad with a touch of brightness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: (¼ cup) Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s the dressing base and adds richness, fruitiness, and healthy fats.
• Red Wine Vinegar: (2 tablespoons) Provides acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness and richness. Red wine vinegar offers a robust flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed) Adds an extra layer of brightness and citrusy zest, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad. Freshly squeezed is always best for optimal flavor.
• Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) Adds a hint of Mediterranean warmth and earthiness. Dried oregano provides a subtle savory depth.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the salad. Use good quality sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by washing your tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Depending on the size of your tomatoes, you will need to cut them into bite-sized pieces. For larger tomatoes like beefsteak or Roma, cut them into wedges or chunks. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, you can halve or quarter them. The goal is to have pieces that are easy to eat and allow the flavors to meld together nicely. Place the chopped tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Red Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it in half. Thinly slice one half of the red onion. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps to remove some of the harshness. Drain the onion slices well before adding them to the salad bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Crumble the Feta Cheese: Take your block of feta cheese and crumble it directly into the bowl with the tomatoes and red onion. You can use your fingers to crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t crumble it too finely; you want to have some larger chunks of feta for texture and flavor bursts in each bite.
4. Chop the Fresh Herbs: Rinse your fresh basil and mint leaves under cool water and pat them dry. Stack the basil leaves together and roll them up like a cigar. Thinly slice the rolled basil leaves crosswise to create chiffonade. For the mint, you can also stack and roll the leaves or simply roughly chop them. Add both the chopped basil and mint to the salad bowl. Fresh herbs are best added just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aroma, but adding them now allows the flavors to infuse a bit.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice depending on your preference.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes, feta, red onion, and herbs in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the tomatoes and feta pieces relatively intact.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning (Again!): This is a crucial step. Taste the salad. You may need to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash more red wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The balance of sweet, salty, acidic, and herbaceous is key to a perfect Tomato & Feta Salad.
8. Let it Sit (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. If you are making it ahead of time, it’s best to add the dressing closer to serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too watery.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Your Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad is ready to be served! Garnish with a few extra fresh basil or mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer!

Nutrition Facts for Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g

Preparation Time for Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Most of the time is spent washing and chopping the vegetables and herbs, and crumbling the feta. The dressing comes together in just minutes. From start to finish, you can have this vibrant and flavorful salad ready to enjoy in just about 15 minutes. For an even faster prep, you can use pre-crumbled feta and cherry tomatoes that only need to be halved.

How to Serve Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

This versatile salad can be served in numerous ways, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Here are some ideas:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Alongside Grilled Meats or Fish: The freshness of the salad perfectly complements heavier grilled dishes like chicken, steak, lamb, or salmon.
  • With Vegetarian Mains: Pair it with lentil burgers, veggie skewers, or a hearty bean stew for a balanced vegetarian meal.
  • As part of a BBQ or Picnic: It’s a refreshing and portable salad that travels well and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.
• As a Light Lunch:
  • On its own: Enjoy a generous serving as a light and satisfying lunch, especially on a warm day.
  • With Pita Bread or Crusty Bread: Serve with warm pita bread, crusty baguette slices, or focaccia for dipping up the delicious dressing and enjoying the salad as a more substantial meal.
  • Topped with Grilled Chicken or Chickpeas: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein and make it a complete and filling lunch salad.
• Part of a Mediterranean Mezze Platter:
  • Include it alongside other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, olives, stuffed grape leaves, and tzatziki for a vibrant and flavorful spread.
• Incorporate into other Dishes:
  • As a Topping for Bruschetta: Spoon the Tomato & Feta Salad over toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic for a flavorful appetizer.
  • Mixed into Pasta Salad: Add it to cooked pasta (like orzo or rotini) along with some olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean pasta salad.
  • Served with Eggs: Enjoy it alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata for a bright and flavorful breakfast or brunch.

Additional Tips for the Best Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

1. Use the Best Quality Ingredients: Since this salad is so simple, the quality of the ingredients truly shines through. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes, good quality feta cheese (sheep’s milk feta is highly recommended), and a flavorful extra virgin olive oil. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Herbs: Fresh basil and mint are key to the flavor profile of this salad. Use generous amounts of fresh herbs, and ensure they are truly fresh and fragrant. Dried herbs are not a suitable substitute for the fresh basil and mint in this recipe.
3. Taste and Season as You Go: Taste the salad at several stages – after making the dressing, after dressing the salad, and before serving. Adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice) to your liking. Personal preference plays a big role in the perfect balance of flavors.
4. Let it Marinate (Briefly): Allowing the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing helps the flavors meld together beautifully. However, don’t let it sit for too long, especially if you’re using very juicy tomatoes, as the salad can become watery.
5. Customize with Variations: Feel free to experiment with additions to customize the salad to your taste. Consider adding Kalamata olives, cucumber, bell peppers, or roasted red peppers. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds can also add a nice textural element.
6. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can chop the tomatoes, red onion, and herbs ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the dressing and store it separately as well. Combine everything and crumble the feta just before serving for the freshest salad.
7. Serving Temperature Matters: This salad is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Avoid serving it straight from the refrigerator, as very cold temperatures can dull the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.
8. Don’t Overdress: Start with the recommended amount of dressing and add more if needed. You want the salad to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing. Overdressing can make the salad soggy and mask the fresh flavors of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components separately ahead of time. Chop the tomatoes, red onion, and herbs and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day. Make the dressing and store it separately at room temperature or in the fridge. Combine everything and crumble the feta just before serving for the freshest results. Dressing the salad too far in advance can make it watery.

Q2: Can I use different types of tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! This salad is fantastic with a variety of tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes all work well. Using a mix of different types can add visual appeal and a more complex flavor profile.

Q3: What if I don’t have red wine vinegar? Can I substitute it?
A: Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with other types of vinegar. White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar (though it will slightly alter the flavor) can be used. Lemon juice is also a key component and should ideally be included for brightness.

Q4: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: To make this salad vegan, you would need to replace the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative. There are many plant-based feta cheeses available in stores now, often made from tofu or almonds. Otherwise, the rest of the salad is naturally vegan.

Q5: How long does Tomato & Feta Salad last?
A: Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad is best enjoyed immediately or within a few hours of being made. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, but the tomatoes may become a bit softer and the salad may release some liquid. It’s best to consume it as fresh as possible for optimal texture and flavor.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to customize this salad. Cucumber, bell peppers (especially red or yellow), Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts are all excellent additions that complement the flavors of tomato and feta.

Q7: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, Fresh Tomato & Feta Salad is naturally gluten-free as it is made with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice, none of which contain gluten.

Q8: Can I use dried basil and mint if I don’t have fresh?
A: While fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor and aroma in this salad, if you absolutely must, you can use dried herbs. However, the flavor will be significantly less vibrant. If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/4 teaspoon of dried mint as a starting point, and adjust to taste. Fresh herbs truly make this salad shine!

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