Sweet & Tangy Strawberry And Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Days

Sweet summer memories bloom whenever a vibrant strawberry and tomato salad arrives at your table.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark culinary curiosity and delight.

Juicy red fruits create a refreshing melody of tastes that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a light and surprising experience.

Fresh herbs and delicate textures promise a sensational journey for your taste buds.

Prepare to savor every delightful bite of this remarkable salad.

Flavorful Twists on Strawberry and Tomato Salad

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace red onion with sliced kalamata olives, add crumbled feta cheese, and swap basil for fresh mint leaves.
• Spicy Fusion: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap balsamic glaze with chili-infused honey, and sprinkle with chili flakes for heat.
• Protein Power: Top the salad with grilled chicken strips or seared shrimp to transform it into a complete meal.
• Goat Cheese Glamour: Substitute feta with creamy goat cheese, add toasted pine nuts instead of mixed nuts, and drizzle with lavender-infused honey.

Pairing Ideas for Strawberry and Tomato Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the freshness of strawberries and tomatoes.
• Match with Light Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or seared shrimp to create a balanced meal that doesn't overpower the delicate salad ingredients.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the balsamic glaze and olive oil, providing a satisfying textural contrast.
• Serve with Goat Cheese Crostini: Create a side appetizer using toasted bread topped with creamy goat cheese to complement the salad's tangy and sweet profile.

Proper Storage for Strawberry and Tomato Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep cheese and nuts separate to maintain crispness.

Place salad in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent soggy texture.

Let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating to enhance flavors and restore texture.

Do not freeze this salad as strawberries and tomatoes will become mushy and lose their crisp, fresh quality.

FAQs

• Are strawberries and tomatoes a good combination?

Yes! The sweet-tangy flavor of strawberries complements the savory tomatoes, creating a unique and refreshing taste profile that works surprisingly well together.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Cutting the fruits and vegetables too early can make them soggy and lose their vibrant texture.

• What type of cheese works best in this salad?

Soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella or goat cheese pair perfectly with the fruity and tangy flavors. They add a creamy texture that balances the salad’s brightness.

Strawberry and Tomato Salad That Wows

• Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet strawberries and tangy tomatoes for a surprising taste explosion that challenges traditional salad expectations.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients together in minutes without complicated chopping or cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a fast, fresh dish.
• Versatile Summer Delight: Ideal for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and casual dinner parties, this salad transitions seamlessly between appetizer and side dish.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with fresh ingredients that deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and vibrant colors, making healthy eating deliciously appealing.

Ingredients for Strawberry and Tomato Salad

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add a refreshing fruity flavor to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, vibrant tomatoes that provide a burst of tangy freshness.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp onion that adds a zesty bite to the salad.

• Balsamic Glaze: Rich and sweet reduction that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity oil that helps blend the ingredients together.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the salad's taste.

• Fresh Basil, Cheese, Toasted Nuts: Aromatic herbs and optional toppings that add layers of texture and depth to the salad.

How to Make Strawberry and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Slice and Dice Fresh Produce

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Wash the strawberries and cherry tomatoes thoroughly.

Slice strawberries into thin, elegant wedges. Chop cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters.

Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings or half-moons for a beautiful color contrast.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Dressing

• Balsamic glaze
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Step 3: Combine and Toss Salad

Transfer sliced produce into a large serving bowl.

Pour the prepared dressing over the fruits and vegetables. Use a gentle folding motion to coat everything evenly without crushing the delicate ingredients.

Step 4: Add Herbal and Cheese Accents

Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves across the salad. If desired, crumble soft cheese like goat cheese or mozzarella over the top for creamy texture.

Step 5: Finish with Crunchy Topping

Scatter toasted nuts such as pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad. The nuts will provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately to maintain freshness and crisp texture. Perfect as a light appetizer or summer side dish.

Tips for Fresh Strawberry and Tomato Salad

• Refrigerate strawberries and tomatoes before mixing to enhance their crisp, refreshing texture.
• Use sweet balsamic glaze to complement the tangy tomatoes and create a harmonious taste profile.
• Select vibrant, fragrant basil leaves for maximum aromatic impact and bright flavor.
• Replace traditional cheese with vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew crumbles for dietary flexibility.
• Soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharp, overpowering taste.

Strawberry And Tomato Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Summer’s lightest delight, strawberry and tomato salad, brings Mediterranean freshness to your plate with crisp, sweet, and tangy flavors. Garden-ripe ingredients dance together, promising a refreshing escape that you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts or almonds

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Instructions

1. Halve the strawberries and slice cherry tomatoes into bite-sized segments, creating a vibrant mix of colors and shapes.
2. Thinly slice red onion into delicate, translucent ribbons for a sharp, crisp texture.
3. Create a light dressing by whisking together balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, ensuring smooth, glossy consistency.
4. Season the liquid mixture with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to enhance the natural flavors.
5. Gently fold the dressing into the fruit and vegetable medley, coating each piece without crushing the delicate ingredients.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves into rustic pieces, scattering them throughout the salad for an aromatic burst of herbaceous flavor.
7. Optional: Crumble soft cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweet and acidic notes.
8. Sprinkle toasted nuts across the surface, providing a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone.
9. Serve chilled or at room temperature within 15 minutes of preparation to maintain the salad’s fresh, vibrant character.

Notes

• Swap regular tomatoes with heirloom varieties for a more vibrant color and complex flavor profile.
• Toast nuts like almonds or pine nuts just until golden to enhance their nutty essence without burning.
• For a vegan version, replace cheese with nutritional yeast or creamy avocado chunks to maintain richness.
• Macerate the red onion in a bit of vinegar before adding to mellow its sharp bite and soften its texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 238 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg