Marinated Tomato and Herb Salad | Easy Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe

Marinated tomato and herb salad
Marinated tomato and herb salad
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This simple, delicious tomato and herb salad is marinated in a tasty caper vinaigrette with a hint of garlic, and it truly goes with absolutely anything. Juicy tomatoes soak up the vibrant dressing along with plenty of fresh herbs, turning into a bowlful that’s bursting with flavour. Light, colourful and incredibly easy to make, it’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for entertaining yet effortless enough for everyday meals.

Whether you’re using peak‑season tomatoes or giving supermarket ones a little lift, this salad brings sunshine to the table and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta dishes or a simple slice of crusty bread.

This salad is perfect for any BBQ or buffet. It works brilliantly as a side dish, and you can even tuck it into a burger for an extra hit of flavour.

Serving Suggestions for Marinated Tomato & Herb Salad

  • Lamb Kebabs (Şiş or Kofta‑style) — the acidity and herbs in the tomato salad cut through the richness of lamb perfectly.
  • Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Oregano — juicy, charred chicken loves the freshness of marinated tomatoes.
  • Turkish Chicken Wings (Kanat) — smoky, spiced wings balanced by the cool, tangy salad.
  • Beef Kofta — warmly spiced beef pairs beautifully with the sweet‑acidic tomato juices.
  • Grilled Steak Strips — especially ribeye or sirloin; slice thinly and serve over or beside the salad.
  • BBQ Lamb Chops — charred edges + fresh tomato salad = ideal summer plate.
  • Spiced Chicken Skewers — pul biber, cumin, garlic; the salad adds brightness and moisture.
  • Roast Chicken — simple, lemony roast chicken works surprisingly well with marinated tomatoes.
  • Turkey Kebabs — lighter than lamb but still great with herbs and acidityBurrata with Olive Oil & Black Pepper — ultra‑creamy and luxurious; the tomatoes become the perfect topping.
  • Feta & Olive Mezze Plate — salty, briny flavours that complement the sweet‑acidic tomatoes.
  • Grilled Prawns — light, lemony seafood works beautifully with herb‑rich tomatoes.
  • Orzo Pasta — toss the tomatoes through warm orzo for an instant, vibrant side dish.
  • Toasted Sourdough or Ciabatta — soak up the marinade like a bruschetta‑style topping.
  • Roasted Garlic Potatoes — crispy, savoury potatoes + fresh tomatoes = perfect contrast.
  • White Bean Salad — creamy beans with lemon and herbs make a lovely, hearty pairing.
  • Charred Corn with Lime & Chilli — sweet, smoky corn balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Stuffed Peppers — serve alongside roasted peppers filled with rice or bulgur.
  • Labneh with Za’atar — thick, tangy yogurt that pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes.
  • Grilled Mushrooms — earthy, smoky mushrooms add depth to the fresh salad.
  • Herby Rice Pilaf — a simple, aromatic base that lets the tomatoes shine.
  • Smoked Salmon — surprisingly good; the smoky richness works with the bright marinade

Variations for Marinated Tomato and Herb Salad

  • Feta and Tomato Herb Salad — Add crumbled feta for a creamy, salty contrast to the juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs.
  • Mozzarella Tomato Salad — Toss with mozzarella pearls or torn mozzarella for a Caprese-inspired variation.
  • Red Onion and Tomato Salad — Add thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and a mild sharpness.
  • Olive and Herb Tomato Salad — Stir through black or green olives for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Garlic Marinated Tomato Salad — Add finely grated garlic to the dressing for extra savoury depth.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Herb Salad — Mix in diced cucumber for added freshness and crunch.
  • Balsamic Tomato Salad — Replace some of the vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a richer sweet-and-tangy flavour.
  • Avocado Tomato Salad — Add diced avocado for a creamy texture that complements the marinated tomatoes.
  • Chilli Tomato Salad — Sprinkle with chilli flakes for gentle heat and extra flavour.
  • Roasted Tomato Herb Salad — Use roasted tomatoes for a deeper, sweeter flavour profile.
  • Tomato and Chickpea Salad — Add chickpeas for extra protein and a more substantial side dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Salad — Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated sweetness and richness.
  • Lemon Herb Tomato Salad — Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy variation.
  • Tomato and Pomegranate Salad — Scatter over pomegranate seeds for bursts of sweetness and colour.
  • Tomato and Basil Salad — Increase the fresh basil and finish with extra virgin olive oil for a simple Italian-inspired version
Marinated tomato and herb salad

Marinated tomato and herb salad

Marinated Tomato and Herb Salad combines juicy tomatoes with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing, creating a light, refreshing side dish packed with vibrant flavour.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Marinate 40 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine British
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 6 plum or round tomatoes
  • sea salt
  • 1 tbsp capers, rinsed, drained and finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic close, crushed
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 handful of basil, chopped
  • 1 handful flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and place in a colander. Sprinkle over a little sea salt and leave to drain for 5-10 mins. Transfer to a salad bowl.
  • In a small bowl, add the chopped capers, olive oil, vinegar and garlic and mix thoroughly. Pour over the tomatoes
  • Add the sliced onion to the bowl, toss together and set aside for 30mins to marinate.
  • Stir the the tomato and onions together, scatter the basil and parsley over the salad and serve.