Recipe image
Recipe Finder blog

Simple Marinated Tomato Salad: fast, fresh, flavorful

Prep 10 min Cook 0 min Difficulty 1/5

Simple marinated tomato salad with olive oil, garlic, balsamic, and basil. Quick, fresh, and no-cook.

Why this recipe works

This simple tomato salad is a fast, no-cook dish that highlights fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It suits quick lunch-prep, a bright side, or a light summer starter.

Search intent: how to make a quick marinated tomato salad
  • marinated tomato salad
  • tomato salad with basil
  • garlic olive oil vinaigrette
  • quick tomato side dish
  • summer tomato salad
  • balsamic tomato salad
  • no-cook salads
  • fresh tomato recipe

Key takeaways

Ready in 15 minutes or less.
No-cook, minimal ingredients.
Bright, fresh flavor with basil.

Recipe guide

This simple tomato salad is a fast, no-cook dish that highlights fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It suits quick lunch-prep, a bright side, or a light summer starter.

A bright, quick tomato salad you can whip up in minutes.

  • Ready in 15 minutes or less.
  • No-cook, minimal ingredients.
  • Bright, fresh flavor with basil.

Ingredients (summary)

- 4 medium tomatoes (x9 in the prompt; use 4-6 if you prefer)\n- 1 tbsp olive oil (x9; use 1–2 tbsp total)\n- 1 clove garlic, minced (x9; 1-2 cloves)\n- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (x9; 1-2 tsp)\n- 1/2 tsp salt (x9; 0.5–1 tsp)\n- 1/4 tsp black pepper (x9; 0.25–0.5 tsp)\n- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (x9; 1–2 tbsp)

Steps

1) Rinse tomatoes and pat dry. 2) Slice into 1/4-inch rounds or wedges. 3) Mince garlic. 4) Whisk oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper in a small bowl. 5) Layer tomato slices in a shallow dish and drizzle marinade over. 6) Toss gently to coat. 7) Marinate at room temp 10–15 minutes. 8) Sprinkle basil and serve; or refrigerate up to 1 hour.

Serving ideas

Serve as a light side, on a charcuterie board, or over greens for a quick tomato salad bowl.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Rinse tomatoes and pat dry
  2. Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges
  3. Peel and finely mince the garlic
  4. In a small bowl whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper
  5. Place tomato slices in a shallow bowl or plate and drizzle the marinade evenly over them
  6. Gently toss or turn tomatoes to coat, being careful not to break them
  7. Let tomatoes marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the tomatoes before serving
  9. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 hour for a cooler salad

FAQs

Can I make this ahead? Yes. Marinate up to 1 hour at room temp or refrigerate up to 2 hours; bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.
Can I use different herbs? Basil is traditional, but oregano or parsley also work well in this vinaigrette.
What if tomatoes are very juicy? Pat slices dry after slicing to reduce extra liquid and help the marinade cling.