Colorful, healthy, and packed with flavor, this easy Tomato, Basil and Feta Summer Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer dinner, and even makes for a wonderful light lunch as well. Go ahead and customize it by adding in cucumber or even summer corn…the basil dressing goes well with everything!
TOMATO, BASIL AND FETA SUMMER SALAD
There is something magical about the flavor of summer tomatoes.
When I was a kid, I hated tomatoes…they seemed so bland. Back then, I didn’t know how they were supposed to taste. There’s such a huge difference in taste between the tomatoes that you buy at the grocery store and the ones you get right off the vine or straight from the farmer’s market!
My husband and I belong to a CSA, but every year we plant tomatoes in patio pots as well. Usually we plant Sungolds, cherries and a couple of zebras (I just love those stripey colors) in pots on our back porch. In years past, I’ve tried keeping the plants in the pool area, but the dogs were plucking my tomatoes right off the vine.
This tomato, basil and feta summer salad is my late father-in-law’s recipe. It was always one of my favorites and he made it often, every summer.
Now, as soon as local tomatoes start showing up, I start making tomato salad too. It’s an easy recipe that I make all summer long, multiple times a week. We never get tired of it. I often bring it potlucks and BBQs as well…it’s always very popular!
HOW TO MAKE THIS TOMATO SALAD
I have used all kinds of tomatoes for this tomato salad, and I have never yet been disappointed.
It’s very simple to make. Cut your tomatoes, crumble some feta over the top, make your dressing and gently toss. It will take you 15 minutes to put together, tops.
I measured out everything for you today on the basil dressing, but most of the time I don’t bother. Sometimes I add lemon zest, sometimes I have a heavier hand with the apple cider vinegar. Honestly, a taste test will do the trick.
Feel free to play around with it. I like it with feta, but it will taste great without it as well. Sometimes I add cucumbers and summer corn. Other times I use it as a topper for salad greens.
No matter how you customize this tomato salad, it’s delicious!
Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad
Colorful, healthy, and packed with flavor, this easy Tomato, Basil and Feta Summer Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer dinner, and even makes for a wonderful light lunch as well. Go ahead and customize it by adding in cucumber or even summer corn...the basil dressing goes well with everything!
Ingredients
- 1 large clove of garlic
- 1 cup basil leaves, packed plus a few extra leaves for garnish
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Juice from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 2 1/2 lbs of tomatoes
- 6 oz feta cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel garlic clove and chop in mini food processor.
- Add basil leaves and continue to process.
- Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the food processor, and continue to blend. Add salt and pepper, if you'd like.
- Chop tomatoes and crumble feta cheese. Mix together.
- Toss with dressing.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 20Carbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1g
Updated 8/24/16.
MORE SALAD RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE:
My Summer Pasta Salad, packed with farmer’s market vegetables, is the perfect side dish for any potluck or summer BBQ!
Or try this Corn and Feta Salad…perfect for picnics and hot summer days. It’s great as a side dish or as a salsa with grilled chicken or fish.
FrugalHausfrau
Sunday 4th of September 2016
I'm always looking for a fun twist on a tomato salad, especially this time of year! Thanks for sharing this at Throwback Thursday this week.
Mollie
createwithjoy
Saturday 3rd of September 2016
This looks mouth-watering Michelle! Thanks for sharing your creativity at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy - You are one of our Featured Guests this week! #244
Amanda
Wednesday 31st of August 2016
And I almost bought Feta the other day but opted for Jalapeno Havarti instead. How do you think that would taste with this? Thanks for linking up to the Creative K Kids' Tasty Tuesday, I can't wait to see what you come up with next week!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Sunday 28th of August 2016
This looks so refreshing!! A flavor burst! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up and don’t forget to leave a comment at the party – Next week’s features that also leave a comment get pinned and tweeted!
The Red Painted Cottage
Saturday 27th of August 2016
We have tons of tomatoes and basil. Just need the feta cheese and I can make your yummy salad. Thank you!
Michelle Nahom
Saturday 27th of August 2016
I hope you enjoy it! It's one of our faves!