If you’re seeking a fresh and vibrant dish that captures the essence of the season, look no further than this Strawberry and Tomato Salad. This gorgeous salad is the perfect blend of sweet sunshine-kissed strawberries, juicy tomatoes, herby basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing—all tossed together for a striking side or light lunch. Every bite feels like a celebration of summer, and it’s just as at home at a backyard BBQ as it is on your weeknight dinner table. Bursting with color, flavor, and crunch, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to anytime you crave something special yet effortless.

Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this salad truly shine are its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one playing an important role in flavor, texture, and that eye-catching bright color. From the juicy base to the peppery finish, every component has its moment to stand out. Here’s what you need and why:

Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and halved): Sweet, juicy, and slightly tart, strawberries bring a burst of flavor and a summery feel to every bite.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Their vibrant color and snappy texture make them the perfect savory partner for strawberries.
Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Adds a lovely punch of sharpness that keeps things interesting.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn): The basil’s peppery, aromatic notes elevate the salad, lending a classic Italian flair.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Rich and smooth, it brings all the ingredients together with a silky finish.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Tangy and slightly sweet, balsamic is the bridge between the fruit’s sweetness and savory elements.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity, adding a subtle golden sweetness to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for making all the flavors pop.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, for topping): Creamy, tangy cheese adds extra indulgence and beautifully contrasts the fruit.

How to Make Strawberry and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Mix the Fruit and Veggies

Start off by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your halved strawberries, cherry or grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss everything together so the colors and flavors start to mingle, but be careful—those ripe strawberries are delicate and you want them whole and gorgeous in the final presentation.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens as the honey mellows the sharpness of the vinegar and the olive oil ties everything together with its silky richness.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Drizzle the dressing over your strawberry and tomato mixture. Gently toss again, making sure every beautiful piece gets coated without smashing any of the fruit. Right before serving, add the torn basil—this keeps the flavor as fresh and aromatic as possible.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

If you’re feeling a little extra, now’s the time to sprinkle on some crumbled feta or goat cheese. This layer of creamy, salty cheese lifts the Strawberry and Tomato Salad to a gourmet level, and makes every forkful a little celebration.

How to Serve Strawberry and Tomato Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference, so don’t skip the garnishes. Extra fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even some toasted pistachios or almonds add crunch and color. If you want a touch of elegance, edible flowers make this salad downright stunning.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad shines alongside grilled foods—imagine it next to grilled chicken, fish, or veggie kebabs. It also works beautifully with crusty bread, like a fresh baguette, or as a zippy side to a creamy risotto or simple pasta. Its sweet and savory notes balance bold main dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve your Strawberry and Tomato Salad on a large platter lined with more basil leaves. Individual mason jars make these salads gorgeous for a picnic or party, while serving them atop crisp romaine leaves turns them into bite-sized appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—which is rare!—transfer the Strawberry and Tomato Salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within one day, as the fruit releases juices and the basil can wilt, but the flavors meld in a deliciously refreshing way even after a few hours.

Freezing

Salads like this one are not freezer-friendly. Freezing will change the texture of both strawberries and tomatoes, leaving them mushy upon thawing. It’s best to make the salad fresh and enjoy every crisp, juicy bite in the short term.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this no-cook dish—it’s designed to be refreshing and crisp straight from the fridge. If your salad is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back some of that summery flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes in this Strawberry and Tomato Salad?

Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and poppable size, feel free to swap in chopped heirloom tomatoes or even yellow and orange varieties for added color and unique flavors.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Of course! Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based feta alternative, and swap out the honey in the dressing for agave syrup or maple syrup to make it completely plant-based.

What’s the best way to slice basil for salads?

The nicest way to add basil is to tear it by hand or use a sharp knife to chiffonade it just before serving. Cutting or tearing basil at the last moment keeps it from bruising and preserves its fresh aroma in the Strawberry and Tomato Salad.

Can I prepare the components in advance?

Definitely! You can prep the strawberries, tomatoes, onion, and basil a few hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and toss everything together with the dressing and cheese just before serving for maximum freshness.

What other mix-ins would work well in this Strawberry and Tomato Salad?

Go wild—it’s a versatile canvas! Try toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunch, add avocado for creaminess, or toss in baby spinach for a leafy, hearty twist. Fresh mint alongside basil adds an unexpected but delightful herbal note.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager for a cheerful, flavor-packed dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying, definitely give this Strawberry and Tomato Salad a try. It’s easy, unforgettable, and guaranteed to become a staple at your table all summer long!

Strawberry and Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Strawberry and Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of tomatoes, all brought together with a flavorful balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Salad:

2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

Crumbled feta or goat cheese

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the strawberries, tomatoes, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the strawberry and tomato mixture and toss lightly to coat.
Finish and Serve: Add torn basil, toss again, and top with crumbled cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
For extra texture, add toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios.
You can also substitute balsamic vinegar with white balsamic or lemon juice for a lighter flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American