This cherry tomato salad recipe includes an herby, zesty cilantro-mint dressing and crispy fried shallots. This quick, easy, refreshing summer salad works as a nutritious side or light lunch.
For more delicious salad recipes, try this Easy Caesar Salad Recipe, Radicchio Salad with Miso Maple Dressing, and Grilled Corn Salad next.
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If you’ve ever wondered, “Is tomato good to eat as salad?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Fresh tomatoes are a summer staple so it’s only right that it’s the main ingredient in this salad of the season.
Juicy tomatoes are tossed with a bright, zesty homemade dressing made with fresh herbs and aromatics. Add salty fried shallots for a nice crunch and you have the best tomato salad.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple – Make this fresh and flavorful salad with simple ingredients, in just 3 easy steps.
- Quick – Want a filling, balanced side dish or meal in record time? From start to finish, this salad is ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect Summer Salad – This recipe is best made during the summertime when tomatoes are in season.
Tools You’ll Need
Ingredients You Will Need for Tomato Salad
The cilantro-mint salad dressing elevates this recipe and ties everything together.
Tomato Salad
- Mixed cherry tomatoes – Use ripe tomatoes for the best results. If using larger tomatoes, halve or quarter them into bite-sized chunks.
Dressing
- Mint – Added for a layer of freshness. Add finely chopped.
- Shallots – Add finely chopped.
- Cilantro – Add finely chopped.
- Three Crabs fish sauce – With a pungent, savory taste, this adds the perfect amount of umami.
- Fresh lime juice – Adds a little zing and brightness.
- Quality olive oil – Better quality oil has a smoother finish so make sure you use the good stuff.
- Cloves garlic – Finely grate for the best flavor infusion.
- Ginger – Grated for spiced, pungent flavor.
- Granulated sugar – For a touch of sweetness to balance out the lime and fish sauce.
- Serrano pepper – Finely chop these spicy peppers to add a touch of heat.
Fried Shallots
- Shallots – These have a sweet, delicate taste when compared to red or white onions. Thinly slice them.
- Neutral frying oil – I use avocado oil.
- Kosher salt – I use the Diamond Crystal brand.
How To Make Tomato Salad
Begin by making the salad dressing, then fry the shallots, and finally, toss the dressing with the diced tomatoes.
- Add all dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolves. Set aside to allow flavors to marry.
2. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once oil temp registers 325°F add shallots. Fry until lightly golden brown then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly season with salt.
3. Place tomatoes in a medium mixing bowl and add dressing. Mix well, leave for 3 minutes, then top with fried shallots. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- No matter what variety of tomatoes you use, ensure they are ripe.
- This tastes best when served fresh. Either serve it immediately or within 30 minutes.
- For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a protein like salmon and crusty bread.
Variations
- Veggies – Instead of cherry tomatoes, you can try grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes. Make this main dish by adding more vegetables like fresh cucumbers, avocado, cucumbers, or red onions.
- Cheese – For even more taste and texture, add feta cheese or mozzarella.
- Dressing – Combine balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to make a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, use red wine vinegar and olive oil.
- Fresh Herbs – You can replace either cilantro or mint with other herbs like fresh basil, chives, parsley, oregano, or dill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best salad tomato?
I prefer to use cherry tomatoes for a salad because they are tiny and sweet, with a nice firm texture that’s perfect for a salad.
Is tomato salad good for you?
Tomatoes are great as the main ingredient because they are packed with nutrients. They are rich in potassium, Vitamin K, and fiber.
Should cherry tomatoes be cut for salad?
I always slice cherry tomatoes before adding them to a salad. They are easier to consume when sliced. they also absorb more of the dressing so you get more flavor in each mouthwatering bite!
Looking for More Tomato Recipes
- Tomato Toast with Pimentón Mayo
- Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- Cherry Tomato Confit
- Tomato Risotto Recipe
- Tuna Confit and Tomato Salad
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Tomato Salad with Cilantro-Mint Dressing
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen Thermometer
Ingredients
Tomato Salad
- 1 pound mixed cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if on the larger side
Dressing
- 2½ tablespoons mint, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Three Crabs fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons quality olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- ¾ teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ – 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
Fried Shallots
- ½ cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup neutral frying oil
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolves. Set aside to allow flavors to marry.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once oil temp registers 325°F add shallots. Fry until lightly golden brown then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly season with salt.
- Place tomatoes in a medium mixing bowl and add dressing. Mix well, leave for 3 minutes, then top with fried shallots. Enjoy!
