If you are searching for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with fresh flavors and perfectly balances sweet and tangy, this Cherry Tomato Salad is the answer. It brings together juicy cherry tomatoes, succulent nectarines, creamy ciliegine cheese, and fragrant herbs in a light, honey-lemon vinaigrette that will brighten any meal or shine as a star on its own. This Cherry Tomato Salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful, wholesome addition to your table that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cherry Tomato Salad plays an essential role, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, sweetness, or herbal freshness. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this salad unforgettable.

2 cups cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.

3 nectarines: Chopped into 1/2 inch cubes, they add a lovely, natural sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
1/2 cup cucumber: Very thinly sliced to bring a crisp, refreshing crunch without overpowering the salad.

1/2 of a small shallot: Finely diced, providing a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness.
1 8-oz container Ciliegine: These small mozzarella balls, halved, lend a rich creaminess that harmonizes beautifully with the fruit and veggies.

1/4 cup chopped parsley: Adds bright, herbaceous notes and fresh green color.
1/4 cup chopped basil: Brings its signature sweet and peppery aroma, elevating the salad’s complexity.
1 tbsp champagne vinegar: Light and slightly fruity acidity that wakes up the palate.

2 tbsp lemon juice: For a fresh citrus zing that brightens every bite.
2 tbsp olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it ties all the ingredients together in the dressing.
1 tbsp honey: Just enough to mellow the acidity and add a hint of natural sweetness.

Flaky salt: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Cherry Tomato Salad

Step 1: Combine Fresh Ingredients

Start by gathering all your fresh produce and the delicious Ciliegine cheese into a large bowl. The halved cherry tomatoes provide juicy pops of sweetness, while the nectarines add a tender, juicy bite with a hint of summer sunshine. The thin cucumber slices bring a cooling crispness and the finely diced shallot adds just the right touch of mild pungency. Toss in the chopped parsley and basil to infuse vibrant herbal notes and an irresistible aroma to the mix.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, create the dressing by whisking together champagne vinegar, fresh lemon juice, fruity olive oil, and honey. This combination strikes a perfect balance between tart, sweet, and rich, creating a bright and flavorful vinaigrette that complements the salad ingredients brilliantly. Add flaky salt gradually, tasting as you go, so the dressing enhances every bite without overwhelming the natural flavors.

Step 3: Toss and Marinate

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss everything until every piece is lightly coated and bursting with flavor. At this point, the salad can be served immediately for a fresh crunch, or chilled for up to one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The brief marination softens the shallot’s sharpness and lets the herbs and fruit infuse the cheese with their essence, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Cherry Tomato Salad

Garnishes

To give your Cherry Tomato Salad an extra special touch, sprinkle a few additional fresh basil leaves on top and a pinch of flaky salt right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a glossy finish and deepen the overall richness. If you want a little texture contrast, add toasted pine nuts or lightly crushed pistachios for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This Cherry Tomato Salad shines as a perfect side alongside grilled chicken, fresh fish, or a simple crusty baguette. Its refreshing and bright character cuts through richer main dishes, providing a lovely palate cleanser. It also pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired meals, complementing flavors like garlic, lemon, and rosemary effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the Cherry Tomato Salad layered in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful red, green, white, and golden hues. Alternatively, use individual small cups or jars for a charming appetizer or picnic option. You can also stuff it inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or serve atop small crostinis as a colorful, bite-sized treat that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Because the salad contains fresh herbs and delicate cheese, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but keeping it chilled helps maintain the crispness and freshness. Avoid leaving it too long to preserve the bright flavors and texture.

Freezing

This Cherry Tomato Salad is best served fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing would negatively affect the texture of the tomatoes, nectarines, and cheese, turning them mushy and altering the refreshing experience that makes this salad so special.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for this Cherry Tomato Salad since it’s designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Warmth would soften the crisp vegetables and alter the delicate balance of fresh flavors that make it so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

While cherry tomatoes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness, you can substitute grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes if needed. Just slice them evenly to maintain the salad’s texture and visual appeal.

Is there a substitute for Ciliegine cheese?

If you cannot find Ciliegine, small mozzarella pearls or even fresh burrata torn into pieces work well as alternatives. They add creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and herbs.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Ciliegine cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or even toasted nuts like almonds or cashews to add creaminess and texture.

How long does it take to prepare this Cherry Tomato Salad?

This salad comes together quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect go-to recipe for a last-minute side or a flavorful snack.

Can I add other herbs to the salad?

Yes, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like mint, chives, or dill for an added twist. Each herb will bring its own unique character that can take your Cherry Tomato Salad to another level.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Tomato Salad is hands down one of those dishes that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fresh, bright, and deliciously satisfying in every bite, combining sweet fruit, creamy cheese, crisp cucumber, and vibrant herbs tossed in a zesty dressing. Whether you serve it as a side or a light meal, it promises to bring smiles and brighten your day. Give it a try and savor the joy of fresh, wholesome flavors bursting together so beautifully.

Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Cherry Tomato Salad featuring sweet nectarines, creamy Ciliegine mozzarella, and a zesty champagne vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal.

Instructions

Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped nectarines, thinly sliced cucumber, finely diced shallot, halved Ciliegine mozzarella balls, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Mix gently to combine all salad components evenly.

Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of flaky salt until thoroughly emulsified. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the balance of acidity and sweetness by adding more lemon juice or honey if needed.
Toss the salad. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve or chill. Serve the salad immediately for fresh texture and bright flavor, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together for a more harmonious taste.

Notes

Use ripe nectarines for the best sweetness and texture contrast.
Chiliegine mozzarella is small fresh mozzarella balls; regular fresh mozzarella cut into similar-sized pieces can be used as a substitute.
Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness and acidity levels.

Refrigerate the salad for no longer than 1 hour to maintain freshness and prevent the mozzarella from becoming too soft.
Flaky salt adds a nice crunch and enhances flavor; kosher salt can be used as an alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook, Tossed

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150

Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g

Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cherry tomato salad, nectarine salad, summer salad, mozzarella salad, fresh herb salad, easy salad recipe

Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need