🍳DailyRecipes
Salad

Classic Summer Tomato Salad

A refreshing and simple salad that celebrates the best flavors of peak summer tomatoes.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 14, 2026
Classic Summer Tomato Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
0 minutes
Total
10 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like a thick, juicy slice of a sun ripened tomato in the middle of August. This simple salad is my favorite way to enjoy them because it lets the natural sweetness of the tomatoes shine without any fuss. It is the perfect side dish for any backyard barbecue or a light lunch on a warm day.

My top tip for this salad is to use the best tomatoes you can find, preferably from a local farmers market. Let them sit out on the counter at room temperature before you slice them because cold tomatoes from the fridge lose a lot of their vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced into thick rounds
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls

Instructions

  1. 1

    Arrange the tomato slices on a large serving platter in a single layer.

  2. 2

    If you are using mozzarella, scatter the cheese pearls evenly over the top of the tomatoes.

  3. 3

    Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire salad.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the torn basil leaves, sea salt, and black pepper over the top right before you are ready to serve.

💡 Tips

Serve this salad immediately while the tomatoes are at room temperature for the best taste. If you have leftovers, it is best to enjoy them within a few hours as the tomatoes will release juices and become soft over time.

#vegetarian#gluten free#healthy#summer salad#side dish

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like