Zesty Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta & Basil – No-Cook Summer Side Dish
This cherry tomato salad is bursting with summer flavor and freshness. Juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, fragrant basil, salty feta, and a tangy lemon garlic vinaigrette make it a perfect no-cook tomato salad recipe. Ready in under 10 minutes, this easy cherry tomato salad is gluten-free, vegetarian, and ideal for warm-weather meals. Whether you're meal prepping, making a quick lunch, or looking for a healthy cherry tomato side dish, this salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a colorful tomato salad that’s rustic, seasonal, and endlessly customizable.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 0 minutes
· Total Time: 10 minutes
· Servings: 2
· Calories: 215 per serving
· Protein: 5g per serving
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Tomato recipe
· Quick no-cook tomato salad – perfect for hot days.
· Loaded with cherry tomatoes, feta, and basil.
· Easy cherry tomato salad ready in 10 minutes.
· Ideal for summer tomato salad cravings.
· Great as a cherry tomato appetizer or picnic side.
· Great for roast dinner sides, lunches, or picnic bowls.
· Healthy, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
· Bursting with seasonal tomato flavor.
· Can easily be adjusted with different spice blends.
· Great meal prep salad idea for warm weather.
Ingredients
· 120g cherry tomatoes, halved
· ½ red onion, finely sliced
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon pepper
· 6–8 basil leaves, torn
· 1 large garlic clove
· Juice of ½ lemon
· ¼ cup (35g) crumbled feta cheese
· 40ml Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, and mince the garlic.
2. In a large bowl, add tomatoes, onion, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently..
3. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and drizzle olive oil over the salad. Toss again.
4. Add crumbled feta and give one final gentle mix.
5. Let marinate for 5–10 minutes to develop flavor, or enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
· Calories: 215
· Protein: 5g
· Fiber: 2g
Tips & Customizations
· Add pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
· Replace red onion with green onion or shallots.
· Swap feta for vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
· Use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon for a sweeter finish.
· Include sliced cucumbers or green olives for variation.
· Try with goat cheese or mozzarella pearls instead of feta.
· Add arugula or spinach to make it a leafy salad bowl.
Meal Prep & Storage
Pre-chop ingredients, but assemble just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keep feta and basil separate if storing ahead to maintain texture and color
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this cherry tomato salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, it contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, simply swap the feta for a plant-based alternative.
Q: How long can I store this salad?
A: It’s best fresh but keeps well for up to 48 hours in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This marinated cherry tomato salad with lemon, garlic, feta, and basil is a game-changer for your summer meals. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. From meal prep to last-minute sides, it’s one of the best cherry tomato salad recipes you’ll ever try. Whether you call it rustic, colorful, or simply delicious, this dish delivers everything you love about a healthy tomato salad—fast. Bookmark it, share it, and make it part of your go-to seasonal tomato recipes.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What twists would you make?
