Simple Cherry Tomato Salad is the ultimate quick and refreshing dish you need in your recipe collection. Bursting with vibrant hues, rich Mediterranean flavors, and just the right touch of acidity and spice, this salad beautifully highlights the freshness of its ingredients. It comes together in minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a light appetizer for gatherings. With juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, aromatic parsley, and a zing of lime, this salad brings a burst of freshness to any table. Whether served on its own or with crispy sourdough triangles, it’s a simple yet impressive dish you’ll keep making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Cherry Tomato Salad
This cherry tomato salad is everything you want in a side dish: fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of sweet tomatoes, tangy lime, and savory olives creates an irresistible flavor profile. It’s also highly versatile—you can enjoy it as a standalone salad, pair it with grilled meats, or serve it as a topping for crostini. Plus, it’s a nutrient-rich dish full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamin-packed ingredients.
Ingredients
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup assorted pitted olives (like Kalamata and green), finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing and optional bread frying)
Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
Optional: 2–3 slices sourdough bread, cut into triangles
Step-by-Step: How to Make Simple Cherry Tomato Salad
Combine the base: In a large bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped olives, parsley, and garlic.
Season well: Add a generous pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, and Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes).
Add zest & juice: Drizzle in the lime juice and scatter the zest evenly over the mixture.
Let it marinate: Gently toss everything together, then set the salad aside for 10–15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend together and allows the tomatoes to release their natural juices.
Prepare the bread (optional): If serving with fried sourdough, heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread triangles and fry for 1–2 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
Serve & savor: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy right away, pairing it with the crispy bread for dipping into the flavorful juices.
Helpful Tips
Let it sit: Giving the salad 10–15 minutes before serving enhances the flavor.
Chill it: For an extra refreshing bite, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Season to taste: Adjust salt and pepper as needed—olives are naturally salty, so start with less.
Go bold: Add a pinch more Aleppo pepper for a spicier kick.
Substitutions and Variations
Tomatoes: Swap cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or heirloom mini tomatoes for a colorful twist.
Olives: Try Castelvetrano olives for a buttery flavor or black olives for a milder taste.
Herbs: Use fresh basil or mint instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.
Citrus: Replace lime with lemon for a classic tang.
Cheese: Add crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for extra richness.
Storage Instructions
While best enjoyed fresh, this salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 53.8 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
Protein: 1.4 g
Fat: 3.6 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
Sodium: 465.9 mg
Potassium: 250.4 mg
Fiber: 1.7 g
Sugar: 2.7 g
Vitamin A: 883.7 IU
Vitamin C: 26.3 mg
Calcium: 29 mg
Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or fish.
Use as a topping for bruschetta or as a side with creamy burrata.
Pair with pasta dishes for a light, refreshing contrast.
Enjoy as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and pita.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Cherry Tomato Salad
Can I swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes?
Yes! Grape tomatoes work just as well and provide a similar sweetness and texture.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No—cherry tomatoes are perfect as is, making prep quick and easy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare it several hours in advance, but for the freshest texture, add the lime and olive oil just before serving.
How do I make it heartier?
Add protein like chickpeas, grilled chicken, or mozzarella balls for a more filling dish.
What’s the best olive oil for this salad?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor—it makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Thank you for exploring this Simple Cherry Tomato Salad recipe! I hope you have as much fun preparing and enjoying this dish as I do. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or part of a summer gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The fresh tomatoes, briny olives, and zesty lime make every bite refreshing and satisfying. Wishing you joyful cooking, and thank you for being a part of this wonderful food-loving community!
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Simple Cherry Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A Simple Cherry Tomato Salad packed with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, fresh parsley, and a zesty lime dressing. Quick, refreshing, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup assorted pitted olives (like Kalamata and green), finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing and optional bread frying)
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional: 2–3 slices sourdough bread, cut into triangles
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, chopped olives, parsley, and garlic.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Aleppo pepper.
Add lime juice and zest, then drizzle generously with olive oil.
Toss gently and let rest for 10–15 minutes so flavors can meld.
Optional: Pan-fry sourdough triangles in olive oil until crispy.
Serve the salad immediately with crispy bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
Substitute grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes for variety.
Swap parsley for basil or mint for a flavor twist.
For extra richness, add crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan.
Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (optional bread frying)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 54 kcal
- Sugar: 2.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
- Protein: 1.4 g