Balsamic Tomato Salad

This balsamic tomato salad is the definition of fresh summer flavor. It’s light, vibrant, and loaded with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Best of all, it’s a quick and easy salad recipe that comes together in 5 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, spontaneous summer gatherings, or effortless meal prep.  It’s also a gluten free salad so a perfect option for allergy sensitive people.  

Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish or enjoying it on its own, this easy balsamic tomato salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s simple enough to toss together for a last-minute dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next barbecue or picnic. Want to make it a complete meal? Just add a lean protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a delicious and balanced dish.

Pro tip: For maximum flavor, use fresh basil. Growing your own fresh herbs is easier than you think! Grab a basil plant from the produce section or garden center and place it on a sunny windowsill or outdoor deck. With regular watering and sunlight, it’ll thrive—and you’ll always have fresh basil on hand to elevate your quick and easy salad recipes all summer long.

Ingredients for Tomato Balsamic Salad

To make this fresh and flavorful balsamic tomato salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (mini balls)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling on top

These ingredients come together to create a refreshing, quick and easy salad recipe that’s perfect for warm weather meals.

How to Make Balsamic Tomato Salad

This quick and easy salad recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:

1. Slice the cherry tomatoes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Next, add mozzarella to the mixing bowl.
3. Mince the garlic and add it to the bowl.
4. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Mix well until the tomatoes and mozzarella are evenly coated in the dressing.
7. Chop the fresh basil.
8. Just before serving, gently toss the salad with the chopped basil and finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for that sweet, tangy finish.

This balsamic tomato salad is best served fresh and makes the perfect addition to any summer meal. It’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare—just another reason to keep this quick and easy salad recipe in your weekly rotation.

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 118 Total Fat: 9 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Carb: 6 g Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 2 g Protein: 3 g Sodium: 190 mg

Variations of Tomato Balsamic Salad

One of the best things about this balsamic tomato salad is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand. While cherry or grape tomatoes are quick and convenient, you can easily swap in other varieties:

• Heirloom tomatoes add beautiful color and a rich, sweet flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Roma tomatoes are another great option—they’re less juicy, which means your salad won’t get soggy as quickly.
• Larger slicing tomatoes also work well. Just be sure to remove some of the seeds and excess juice before mixing them in.

As for the cheese, while mozzarella pearls are the classic pick, don’t be afraid to switch it up:

• Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet balsamic glaze.
• Goat cheese offers a creamy, slightly tart flavor that melts right into the salad for added richness.
• Prefer dairy-free? Simply leave the cheese out—this is still a delicious and satisfying quick and easy salad recipe on its own.

Storage Tips for Balsamic Tomato Salad

One of the best things about this balsamic tomato salad is that it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. For optimal freshness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

However, this is not a salad that freezes well—the fresh tomatoes and basil will lose their texture and flavor. So be sure to enjoy it within the week for the best taste and quality.

What to Serve with Balsamic Tomato Salad

This quick and easy tomato salad recipe makes the perfect summer side dish to serve alongside your favorite protein. Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or steak for a fresh and flavorful dinner that comes together effortlessly.

For the best results, I recommend preparing the salad through step 3 (before adding the basil and balsamic glaze) at the start of your meal prep. Letting it sit while your protein cooks allows the ingredients to marinate and deepen in flavor.

You can also enjoy this balsamic tomato salad with a scoop of chicken salad or tuna salad for a quick, light, and healthy lunch—no cooking required!

About the Author 

Rachel Roberts is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in Rhode Island, as well as a Certified Personal Trainer, business owner, mom, wife, and self-proclaimed foodie with over 20 years of experience in health and wellness. She firmly believes that healthy eating should be simple, stress-free, and easy to fit into a busy lifestyle. To discover more dietitian-approved recipes and expert tips to optimize your health, be sure to follow her on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

If you need support in reaching your health goals, Rachel and her team of Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists are here to help! Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your overall well-being, or build healthier habits, we offer personalized guidance to get you on track. You can meet with one of our Nutritionists in Rhode Island for in-person sessions, or take advantage of our online nutrition coaching available to clients in RI, MA, CT, and FL. Click here to schedule a consultation today—plus, in most cases, our services are 100% covered by health insurance!