Cherry Tomato Salad

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Sometimes one comes into possession of a whole lot of cherry tomatoes, and you need to figure out what to do with them! This somehow happens to me a quite often. I think it’s because they are one of the vegetables (yes, yes, I know, actually a fruit) that I incessantly buy without a goal in mind. So when I find myself with a heap of of cherry tomatoes just waiting to be put to use, then why not make them the star of their own little show?

A cherry tomato salad is the absolute easiest way I know to add a pop of dazzling color to a spread or a plate. Use mixed color tomatoes, or all red as I did here. Whatever you do, it will be gorgeous. Also try Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata and Basil Oil, Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad, and Cherry Tomato Antipasti Salad.

Sure, I can toss them into green and grain salads, and add them to sautes and fling them across finished dishes for a burst of color.

Cherry or grape tomatoes are just plain cheery and delicious, and here they are the star of their own little show.

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Cherry Tomato Salad Add-Ins

This is a very simple salad, with a balsamic-ey, slightly sweet dressing (thank you honey, love you honey). You could also add in plenty of other things—cubed mozzarella, crumbled feta cheese, olives, other herbs (basil is a classic—I went with oregano because I’m just that crazy). Other vegetables would be good, diced young zucchini or summer squash, sliced or diced cucumber, diced onion—raw or sautéed.

But you will not be disappointed if you stick with only tomatoes. And you can have this whole salad on the table in 10 minutes.  

What is the Difference Between Grape and Cherry Tomatoes?

And of course you can use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. In most recipes they are interchangeable, though there are some subtle differences. Cherry tomatoes can range in size from quite small to golf ball size. Grape tomatoes are usually smaller, meatier and have a thicker skin. Their lower water content means they will last longer, but

Grape tomatoes last longer than cherry tomatoes, in general; having said that ideally you should never refrigerate tomatoes at all. Refrigeration changes their texture, and mutes their flavor. Keep them on the counter at room temperature, and eat them while they are good! If they start to wrinkle before you are ready to eat them you can tuck them in the fridge, but it’s not the best way to store any tomato.

Are Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Sweeter?

Cherry tomatoes are usually sweeter than grape tomatoes, especially at the height of tomato season, mid to late summer. There are some varieties that are super sweet: look for Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes which are almost candy-like! (remember tomatoes are botanically a fruit!)

Ingredients

For the Dressing

• Olive oil – use extra virgin if possible!
• Balsamic vinegar – if you have the good stuff use it here! You can sub in other vinegars if you like, but balsamic adds some welcome sweetness.
• Dijon mustard – adds some tanginess to the vinaigrette
• Honey – provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and the vinegar.
• Garlic – finely mince the garlic so it blends nicely into the dressing

For the Salad

• Cherry tomatoes – the star of the show! Pick any color you like, and feel free to sub in other tiny tomatoes like grape tomatoes.
• Oregano – use fresh herbs for this salad

Cutting Cherry Tomatoes for Salad

Sometimes whole cherry tomatoes are included in salad — more often than not when they are an add in, versus the main ingredient. I almost always cut them, and recommend doing to for this salad. Cutting them in half makes them easier to scoop, serve, and bite into (without squirting your dinner mate). Also it allows the dressing to soak into the middle of the tomato, giving this salad a whole lot more flavor. Whole cherry or grape tomatoes slicked with a vinaigrette are less unified as a salad than tomatoes that have been halved. If your cherry tomatoes are very large, you might cut them into quarters.

How to Make Cherry Tomato Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt and pepper.
2. Add the tomatoes and the oregano and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips and Variations

• Mix up the colors of the tomatoes for visual appeal.
• Try and find little teardrop tomatoes for variety of shape.
• Try slivered fresh basil instead of the oregano.
• Add little cubes of mozzarella, preferably fresh, to the salad.
• Replace the honey with the agave for a vegan version of this salad.

What to Serve with Simple Cherry Tomato Salad:

• Sticky Oven Baked Cajun Ribs
• French Potato salad
• Honey Creole Mustard Green Beans

Other Recipes with Cherry or Grape Tomatoes:

• Cavatappi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata and Basil Oil
• How to Make Perfect Roasted Tomatoes
• Tomato Bruschetta Couscous
• Tomato, Zucchini and Bulgur Salad

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