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Healthy Mediterranean cherry tomato salad with fresh basil and olive oil in a white bowl.

Cherry Tomato Salad

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 125
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pints approx. 4 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves chiffonade (thinly sliced)
  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Add Herbs: Gently fold in the fresh basil.
  3. Whisk Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss: Using a large spoon, toss the ingredients until the tomatoes are glistening and well-distributed.
  6. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Tomato Selection: Use room-temperature tomatoes for maximum sweetness; refrigeration dulls their flavor and alters the texture.
  • The "Marinating" Secret: Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. The salt draws out the tomato juices, which mix with the olive oil to create a built-in dressing.
  • Serrated Knife: Use a small serrated (bread) knife to slice the cherry tomatoes without squishing them.
  • Herb Freshness: Always tear or chop the basil at the very last second to prevent the edges from turning black (oxidizing).
  • Onion Hack: If the red onion is too sharp, soak the slices in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow the "bite" while keeping the crunch.
     
  • Acid Balance: If your tomatoes are extra sweet, add a tiny splash more lemon juice; if they are tart, a pinch of coconut sugar or honey in the oil can balance the dressing.