Simple Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe with Basil & Feta (Print Version)

This Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe combines juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy feta for a vibrant, easy side. A summer favorite from my kitchen!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Garden Freshness

01 - 4-5 ripe large tomatoes (like beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom), or 2 pints cherry/grape tomatoes
02 - 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
04 - 4 oz (about 1 cup) crumbled feta cheese

→ Finishing Touches

05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Optional Extras

09 - A pinch of sugar (for less-sweet tomatoes)
10 - Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
11 - Cucumber, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Grab those gorgeous tomatoes. If they're big, I like to cut them into wedges or chunky bites. Cherry tomatoes just need to be halved, easy peasy. Then, thinly slice that red onion. If you're sensitive to strong onion flavor like I sometimes am, pop those slices into a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. It really mellows them out, trust me on this! I usually get lost in thought here and almost forget the ice water step, oops!
02 - Next up, the basil! Lay those beautiful fresh leaves on top of each other, roll them up tightly like a little cigar, and then slice across the roll to create delicate ribbons. This is called chiffonade, and it makes them look so pretty and releases all that amazing aroma. I used to just tear them, which works, but the ribbons just feel more special, you know? Don't stress if they're not perfect, it's all going in the same bowl!
03 - Now for the fun part! Get a big, wide bowl – one that gives you room to toss everything without making a mess, because let's be real, kitchen chaos is my normal. Add your prepped tomatoes, those lovely basil ribbons, and the thinly sliced (and drained!) red onion. Gently toss them together. I just love seeing all those vibrant colors mix, it's just so cheerful!
04 - Time for the dressing! Drizzle a generous amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil over the tomato mixture. Then, add a splash of red wine vinegar. Season with a good pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. I always go a little heavy on the pepper; it adds a nice kick. This is where the magic happens, so don't be afraid to give it a good, gentle mix. I usually taste a little bit here to see if it needs more salt, honestly.
05 - Finally, crumble that delicious feta cheese right over the top. Don't mix it in too vigorously, we want those distinct pockets of salty goodness. Just a gentle fold or two, so it’s distributed but still holds its shape. This is where the Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe really comes together, adding that creamy, tangy counterpoint that just makes your taste buds sing. I might sneak a little taste of the feta here, just for quality control, you know.
06 - Now, this is the hardest part: let it sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This brief rest lets all those beautiful flavors mingle and marry. The tomatoes release their juices, creating a light, natural sauce. I know it's hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it. Give it one last gentle stir, and serve up your amazing Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe! It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like pure summer joy.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the resting time—it lets the flavors really mingle and deepen, making all the difference.
02 - This Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe is best fresh, but leftovers are okay for lunch the next day, just know the tomatoes soften a bit.
03 - No feta? Crumbled goat cheese works beautifully, I tried it once and it was actually pretty good!
04 - A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving makes it look fancy, without any extra fuss.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - Sharp knife
03 - Cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180-220
Total Fat: 15-18g
Total Carbohydrate: 8-10g
Protein: 4-6g

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