21 Fresh Tomato Salad Recipes to Show Off Your Summer Crop

2015-06-09
21 Fresh Tomato Salad Recipes to Show Off Your Summer Crop

Savor a taste of summer in these fresh tomato salad recipes. Whether you use ruby reds from your garden or heirlooms from your local farmers market, you can't go wrong by adding one of these tomato-mozzarella salads, tomato-basil salads, tomato bread salads (aka Panzanella), and other tomato salad masterpieces to your menu.

01 of 21

Bacon-Corn-Tomato Salad

Since their seasons overlap beautifully, we love to toss sweet corn into many of our summer tomato salad recipes. This one takes that concept and turns up the volume with crispy bacon, fresh red onion and marjoram, and a splash of cider vinegar. Serve it by the bowl for a family dinner, or scoop this salad into individual cups or mason jars for picnics or potlucks.

02 of 21

Cherry Caprese Salad

When we say “cherry tomato salad recipes,” we’re guessing you think of bowls filled with those small, ruby-hued tomatoes. But this sweet-tart variation on the theme features actual cherries—yep, the pitted fruit!—alongside cherry tomatoes, luscious burrata cheese, tangy balsamic vinegar, and plenty of aromatic fresh basil. It’s like a traditional Caprese salad got a gourmet makeover, and we can’t get enough.

03 of 21

Summer Tomato Salad

This colorful tomato and onion salad is an ideal summer side dish to turn to on those days when you simply cannot possibly turn on the oven. It's also super simple—prep is just 20 minutes.

04 of 21

Cucumber, Tomatoes, and Mint

As refreshing and hydrating as a glass of infused water, this fresh tomato salad recipe is spiked with water-rich cucumbers and cooling fresh mint. On the hottest days of summer, this is the side we turn to time and time again. This five-ingredient toss-and-serve salad is naturally vegan, although we’d fully approve of you crumbling on some goat cheese if you’re sharing it with a crowd that does dairy.

05 of 21

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella

Slow-roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness to this easy tomato-mozzarella salad. It makes enough for 12 people, so it's a stellar contribution to any summer potluck. Customizable with any short-cut pasta (including whole-wheat, lentil-, or chickpea-based), no wonder one BHG fan says, “My family loves it!”

06 of 21

Tomato-Mozzarella Toss

Rich mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves are perfect companions for the grape and cherry tomatoes in this salad. This recipe makes 12 servings in just 20 minutes, so it's perfect for a last-minute side dish at a party or cookout.

07 of 21

Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salad

In this tomato-basil salad, those two seasonal all-stars are just the beginning. To make this no-cook recipe even more hearty while adding a punch of protein and fiber, we toss in a can of chickpeas and a generous scoop of edamame. Fresh sweet corn, mint, onion, and a honey-scented vinaigrette round out the rainbow-colored creation that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

08 of 21

Chicken, Tomato, and Cucumber Dinner Salad

This is consistently one of the most popular recipes on BHG.com, and you're about to taste why. Enjoy a juicy tomato salad for dinner tonight, complete with crunchy cucumber and seasoned chicken tenders. Best of all, this quick and easy Greek tomato salad includes ingredients you likely have in your pantry or fridge as we speak.

09 of 21

Panzanella

Have some on-the-verge-of-stale bread? Do we have the food waste-eliminating solution for you! Crunchy homemade croutons—best made with day-old bread—and fresh ripe tomatoes star in this quick and easy Italian summer salad recipe. To save even more time with this tomato bread salad, substitute Italian dressing for the homemade vinaigrette.

10 of 21

Mango, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

When you’re in the mood for a tropical twist, try this avocado-tomato salad that one BHG fan describes as, “Amazing! It's the perfect mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.” The buttery avocados are a delicious complement to the sweetness of mango and juicy sweet-tart tomatoes.

11 of 21

Peach and Tomato Salad

When you need a fruit salad and veggie side—but don’t want to fuss with two separate creations—turn to this peach, tomato, and feta salad that offers the best of both worlds. But don’t just take our word for it. One BHG fan who tried this raves, “The sweetness of the peaches, the tang of the vinegar and feta coupled with the freshness of the tomatoes—all with the crunch of the onions and pecans? Goodness! This is a keeper.”

12 of 21

Tomato Salad with Guajillo Chile Dressing

Dress ripe summer tomatoes with a homemade garlic, chile pepper, cilantro, and onion dressing to create the ultimate summer salad. Finish the tomato salad recipe with grilled green onions and a generous sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco.

13 of 21

Steak and Tomato Pasta Bowl

This tomato pasta salad recipe is heart enough to be a one-dish dinner. Toss together sliced cherry tomatoes, pasta, grilled corn, and sliced sirloin steak. Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and white wine vinegar brighten up the bowl.

14 of 21

Acorn Wedges with Mozzarella & Tomatoes

Roasting cherry tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and concentrates their flavor. Here, they're scattered across roasted squash wedges and topped with fresh herbs and a sour cream and mozzarella dressing.

15 of 21

Cucumber-Tomato Salad

This simple tomato salad recipe lets the fresh flavors of in-season produce shine. Lightly dress the chopped tomatoes and sliced cucumbers with a green onion and white wine vinegar dressing.

16 of 21

Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

This fresh summer salad showcases the beauty of the season's best vegetables including tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onions. Finish with a wedge of sheep's milk feta cheese and a homemade caper dressing.

17 of 21

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

If you love the creamy tomato flavor of Marry Me Chicken, you must try this easy pasta salad. Dress cheese tortellini, chicken breast, and cherry tomatoes with a homemade tomato basil dressing, and finish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

18 of 21

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

This twist on summer's best sandwich is our go-to pasta salad recipe. The bowl is filled with pasta, fresh tomatoes, crisp bacon, and lettuce. A tangy mayo dressing pulls the entire dish together.

19 of 21

Leftover Ham Chef's Salad

Our take on a classic chef's salad with made with leftover ham and chicken. The real star though is juicy grape tomatoes. They give the salad a burst of sweetness. Serve the tomato salad with toasted rye bread.

20 of 21

Summer Spaghetti Salad

This tomato salad is made with spaghetti, shredded string cheese, and toasted walnuts. Dress the mixture with a fresh parsley vinaigrette. This tomato salad recipe is even better the next day!

21 of 21

BLT Potato Salad

Take all the fillings from your favorite sandwich and transform them into a hearty potato salad. A garlicky mustard dressing is the perfect complement for the sweet tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.

Related Article

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Tofu, eggplant, and mushrooms soak up the ginger-curry marinade like mini sponges, infusing them with fresh Thai flavors.
24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

Start with classic Italian pasta recipes and end with a homemade dessert like you'd get in a trattoria for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

For this smoked turkey recipe, we concocted a rub using spices typically found in a traditional Mexican mole (a rich chocolate-chili sauce), including cocoa, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder. If you don’t have a smoker, you can still use the warm spice combo on a roasted turkey.
Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

This easy stir-fry recipe is healthier than most—instead of actually frying the tofu, make it in your air-fryer instead! It'll be just as crispy as frying it oil, but much healthier for mixing with veggies and rice.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Not all seafood is enjoyable skin-on, so you might be wondering, “can you eat salmon skin?” You sure can, but it’s important to employ a few simple strategies to ensure it’s golden-brown and crispy (rather than rubbery). We’ll walk you through how to cook salmon skin—both on the fish and off as a makeshift “chip.”
Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

These sweet mini muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy! Get your day started off on the right note with these blueberry muffins that come with a few health upgrades (including oats and chia seeds).
Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Make-ahead side dish magic: Prep and roast the sweet potatoes and broccoli up to three days ahead. Once you're ready to eat, all that's left to do is reheat, toss with dressing, and serve.
Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Finish this caramelized cauliflower with a rich brown butter and hazelnut pan sauce.
Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

A sweet sesame-soy marinate makes infuses plant-based tempeh (fermented soybean cake), making a delicious Asian-inspired vegan meal.
Tombstone Taco Dip

Tombstone Taco Dip

Refried bean dirt, shredded lettuce grass, and tortilla tombstones and trees take chip dip to Halloween territory.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Our healthy sandwich ideas include everything for eating well, from healthy sandwich meat to fresh veggies. This portable meal can be good for you.
The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

Learn the best ways and how long to marinate chicken using our two easy methods for the tastiest meals you'll make again and again.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Make roasted Brussels sprouts in your oven! Toss with apples, cherries, and pecans for an irresistible 20-minutes vegetable side.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo chicken and gooey cheese? Count us in. Serve this scrumptious buffalo chicken recipe with carrots and celery to help make it a fresh and filling meal.
Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Calling for just five simple ingredients, this 20-minute pasta recipe is one of the easiest dinner recipes that has even come out of our Test Kitchen. Brighten things up just before serving by topping with a handful of chopped chives.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

Gluten-free breakfast recipes might seem hard to come by, but we've got options. Here you'll find recipes for gluten-free pancakes and more.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.