If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with freshness and simplicity, you have to try this Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs, all tied together by a zesty dressing. This salad is an absolute celebration of colors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it an ideal side or a light meal on its own. Once you dive in, it’s hard to resist the temptation to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and brightness, so use the freshest you can find for the best results.
- 6 cups halved grape tomatoes: These little gems add sweet juiciness and a burst of color that brings the salad to life.
- â…” cup diced sweet onion: Offers a subtle crunch and mild sharpness that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
- 2 ½ teaspoons white wine vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens every bite without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Brings smooth richness and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the salad’s depth.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle spice to finish.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Combine Tomatoes and Onions
Start by placing the halved grape tomatoes and diced sweet onion into a large mixing bowl. This fresh mix forms the hearty base of your salad, each bite promising a delicious crunch and juicy sweetness.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until they blend into a luscious dressing. This dressing is the secret ingredient that ties the ingredients together with zest and smoothness.
Step 3: Toss and Mix
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and onions, then gently stir to ensure every piece is lightly coated with vibrant flavor. This step is crucial for distributing the tangy, rich dressing evenly throughout the salad.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the mixture and carefully fold it in. The feta’s creamy saltiness creates a beautiful contrast with the sweet tomatoes, making each forkful a delightful balance of flavors.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. For a final touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like an extra herbal lift. Serve immediately or let it rest for up to one hour to develop even more depth.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh herbs you choose as garnish can totally personalize your salad experience. Try parsley for a clean, bright finish or toss in some fresh basil or mint leaves for a more aromatic burst—they each bring a unique flavor that complements the cherry tomatoes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a crisp white fish. It also shines alongside crusty artisan bread, making the meal both satisfying and light. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian spread, serve it with warm pita and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or cherry tomato cups for a charming appetizer. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, making your table irresistible and inviting conversation around this beautiful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld even further overnight, but it’s best to enjoy it fresh to keep the tomatoes crisp.
Freezing
This salad is best served fresh and does not freeze well. The texture of the tomatoes and feta will change drastically after freezing and thawing, so it’s recommended to prepare it just before serving.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not advised. Allowing it to come to room temperature before serving will enhance the flavors and make the experience more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in this salad?
Absolutely! While grape tomatoes are perfect for their sweetness and size, you can substitute cherry tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties for a more colorful presentation. Just be sure to adjust the cutting size for bite-sized pieces.
What fresh herbs work best with this recipe?
Parsley is the classic choice for its bright, clean flavor, but you can experiment with basil, oregano, or mint to add your personal twist. Each herb brings something unique, so feel free to mix and match!
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is a dairy product, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can easily substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and boost the herbs for fresh complexity.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare this salad up to an hour in advance. Allowing it to sit lets the flavors mingle beautifully, but waiting longer than that can lead to soggy tomatoes, so fresh is best for parties.
How can I adjust the flavor if I prefer a tangier salad?
If you love a bit more zing, simply increase the white wine vinegar slightly or add a splash of fresh lemon juice. Taste as you go to keep the balance just right for your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a true keeper. It’s fresh, easy to make, and delivers such a satisfying burst of flavor that it quickly becomes a favorite in any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a light meal, this salad brings joy and sunshine straight to your plate. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe in no time!
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Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Cherry Tomato Salad featuring halved grape tomatoes, diced sweet onion, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil dressing. This quick, easy, and flavorful salad is perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups halved grape tomatoes
- â…” cup diced sweet onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 2 ½ teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the halved grape tomatoes and diced sweet onion into a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of both ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until fully combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the tomato and onion mixture. Stir gently to thoroughly coat all pieces with the dressing.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold it into the mixture, taking care not to break down the cheese too much.
- Season the salad: Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir lightly to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or allow it to sit for up to one hour to let flavors meld.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, soak the diced sweet onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- You can substitute grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes if preferred.
- Letting the salad sit for up to an hour enhances the flavor, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a light accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes.
