🌞How to Make Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil — A Simple & Delightful Summer Power Dish🌿

🌸Introduction

Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil. 🍅✨ Juicy ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and rich olive oil come together to create a dish that’s both refreshing and soul-satisfying. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or part of a Mediterranean spread, this Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil brings sunshine to your plate.

Simple, colourful, and nourishing, it’s a recipe that celebrates the beauty of fresh produce. In this post, you’ll learn how to make it perfectly, understand its health benefits, and get pro tips to elevate your tomato salad game.

💖Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
✅ Nutrient-Rich: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins.
✅ Versatile: Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, chicken, or pasta.
✅ Mediterranean Magic: Combines classic ingredients known for heart health.
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: A perfect fit for any diet.

Once you try this Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil, it’ll become your go-to dish for healthy eating all year long!

🍅Ingredients Needed for Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil:

• Fresh tomatoes (4–5 medium-sized): Use ripe but firm tomatoes — Roma or heirloom varieties work beautifully.
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful): For that sweet, aromatic Mediterranean touch.
• Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp): Adds richness, enhances flavour, and provides heart-healthy fats.
• Red onion (½ medium): Adds mild sharpness and crunch.
• Sea salt (to taste): Elevates the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): For mild heat and depth.
• Balsamic vinegar (optional, 1 tsp): Adds tang and complexity.

Optional add-ins: mozzarella cubes, avocado slices, or cucumber chunks for a heartier salad. 🥗

🥣Equipment Needed

To make Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil, you only need:

• A sharp chef’s knife for slicing tomatoes and onions.
• A large mixing bowl for tossing ingredients.
• A salad spoon or tongs to mix evenly.
• A cutting board for clean preparation.
• A serving plate or bowl for presentation.

Simple tools, maximum flavour! 💫

👩🏽‍🍳Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the ultimate Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil:

🥬 Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash and pat dry the tomatoes and basil leaves.
• Slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds.
• Thinly slice the red onion.
• Tear the basil leaves gently by hand — this helps preserve their aroma.

🥄 Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

• In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, onions, and basil.
• Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and black pepper.

🫒 Step 3: Add the Olive Oil Dressing

• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the vegetables.
• Add a touch of balsamic vinegar if you like a tangy finish.
• Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

🍽️ Step 4: Taste and Adjust

• Taste the salad — add more salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow flavours to blend beautifully.

🌿 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer to a serving plate or bowl.
• Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and serve chilled or at room temperature.

💡 Pro Tip: The longer the salad sits, the more the tomatoes release their natural juices — making the olive oil dressing even more flavorful!

🌈Tips for a Perfect Result

⭐ Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the sweetest flavour.
⭐ Always use high-quality extra virgin olive oil — it makes all the difference.
⭐ Tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping with a knife to avoid oxidation.
⭐ Chill the salad slightly before serving for a refreshing taste.
⭐ For extra richness, sprinkle feta cheese or add creamy mozzarella.

🍽️Serving Suggestions

This Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil shines on its own, but also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp 🐟
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette 🥖
• Roasted vegetables or couscous
• A side for pasta dishes or risotto 🍝

🔄Variations You’ll Love

🥑 Tomato Avocado Salad: Add creamy avocado chunks for extra texture.
🧀 Caprese Style: Include mozzarella balls and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
🥒 Cucumber-Tomato Mix: Add sliced cucumbers for crunch.
🌽 Summer Corn Twist: Mix in grilled corn kernels for a smoky touch.

Each variation adds a new layer of flavour to the Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil — experiment and enjoy!

🧾Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)*
Calories	180 kcal	9%
Protein	2 g	4%
Total Fat	14 g	21%
Saturated Fat	2 g	10%
Carbohydrates	12 g	4%
Fiber	3 g	12%
Vitamin C	35 mg	39%
Vitamin A	820 IU	16%
Potassium	500 mg	14%
Lycopene	8 mg	—

🔗 Source: USDA FoodData Central – Tomatoes↗

🌿Health Benefits & Advice

The Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil isn’t just delicious — it’s a nutritional powerhouse!

• Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which supports heart and skin health.
• Boosts Immunity: Basil is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with antibacterial properties.
• Supports Heart Health: Olive oil is known for its monounsaturated fats that reduce bad cholesterol.
• Aids Digestion: The fiber content from tomatoes and onions supports gut health.
• Anti-inflammatory Power: The olive oil and basil combo helps reduce inflammation naturally.

🍅Tip: Consuming tomatoes with olive oil improves lycopene absorption — a perfect natural synergy!

❓Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I make this tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a few hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and add olive oil and salt right before serving to maintain freshness.

2️⃣ What’s the best tomato type for this salad?
Use Roma, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes — they’re flavorful and less watery.

3️⃣ Can I replace olive oil with another oil?
For authenticity and health benefits, olive oil is best. However, avocado oil is a decent substitute.

4️⃣ How long can it last in the fridge?
Up to 24 hours in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

5️⃣ Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or boiled eggs for a satisfying upgrade.

🌞Final Thoughts

This Fresh Tomato Salad with Basil and Olive Oil is a timeless classic — light, colourful, and bursting with life. Each bite delivers Mediterranean sunshine, balancing simplicity with gourmet flavour. Whether for a quick weekday meal or a festive table, this salad proves that healthy food can be joyful, vibrant, and satisfying. 🌿💖

Make it today and let every spoonful remind you why simplicity in the kitchen often leads to the most extraordinary flavours!

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