The Zesty Tomato Garlic Salad Recipe That Brightens Any Meal

Summer’s bounty transforms this vibrant tomato garlic salad into a refreshing culinary adventure that dances with bright, zesty flavors.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes create a canvas of color and taste waiting to be explored.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to shine through each crisp, herb-kissed bite.

Garden-fresh ingredients whisper stories of simple, elegant cooking that anyone can master.

Salt and garlic weave magic into this uncomplicated dish, making every forkful a celebration of natural goodness.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this salad promises to become your new favorite summer companion.

Tomato Garlic Salad: Fresh and Zesty

• Zest Up Your Meal: This tangy tomato garlic salad brings a burst of fresh flavors that instantly elevate any dining experience.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this delightful dish in mere minutes, making it perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
• Creamy Comfort: The smooth blend of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a rich, satisfying dressing that complements the juicy tomatoes beautifully.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a light lunch that keeps things interesting and delicious.

Ingredients for Tomato Garlic Salad

• Sour Cream: A creamy base that adds richness and tanginess to the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Provides a smooth and velvety texture to the dressing.
• Garlic: Adds a bold and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy ingredients that form the main body of the salad.
• Dill: A fresh herb that brings a light, slightly tangy flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of the salad.

How to Prepare Tomato Garlic Salad

Step 1: Whip Up a Creamy Dressing

In a cozy mixing bowl, blend together smooth sour cream, tangy mayonnaise, and freshly crushed garlic. The combination creates a luscious, zesty base that will make your salad sing with flavor.

Step 2: Chop Those Juicy Tomatoes

Grab your sharpest knife and transform ripe tomatoes into generous, rustic chunks. The irregular shapes will add a beautiful, homemade feel to your salad.

Step 3: Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold the vibrant tomato chunks into the creamy garlic dressing. Sprinkle in some fragrant, finely chopped fresh dill to elevate the entire dish with a burst of herbal brightness.

Step 4: Season and Toss

Enhance the salad’s profile with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of cracked black pepper. Tenderly mix the ingredients, ensuring each tomato piece gets coated with the dreamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Savor

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for a quick cool-down. When ready, serve this refreshing side dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors!

Tips for Flavorful Tomato Garlic Salad

• Use freshly pressed garlic for a more intense and aromatic taste that elevates the entire salad.
• Remove seeds from tomatoes before cutting to reduce excess liquid and maintain a crisp texture.
• Swap dill with fresh parsley or chives if you prefer a different herb profile or don't have dill on hand.
• Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly soften tomatoes.
• Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative for a lighter, healthier version.

Variations on Tomato Garlic Salad

• Spicy Mediterranean: Add crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that transforms the salad into a bold Mediterranean-style dish.
• Greek Herb Infusion: Replace dill with fresh oregano and mint, then sprinkle with crumbled kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Creamy Avocado Blend: Dice ripe avocados and mix into the salad, creating a rich and smooth texture that complements the tangy dressing.
• Citrus Fresh Version: Incorporate lemon zest and a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the salad's overall taste and add a refreshing citrus undertone.

Pairings That Complement Tomato Garlic Salad

• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve this tangy tomato salad alongside warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the creamy garlic dressing, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the salad's creamy and acidic notes, refreshing the palate with its bright, zesty character.
• Match with Grilled Proteins: Accompany the salad with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb to balance the cool, creamy dressing with warm, smoky proteins, creating a harmonious summer meal.
• Complement with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or chives to enhance the dill's flavor and add a vibrant, aromatic dimension to the dish.

Storing Tomato Garlic Salad Properly

Store the salad in a sealed glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it at the back of the fridge where temperature remains most consistent.

Before storing, gently remove any extra liquid that might separate from the dressing to maintain salad’s texture and prevent sogginess.

Do not freeze this salad as the sour cream and mayonnaise will separate and create an unpleasant grainy texture when thawed.

If the salad looks slightly watery after refrigeration, give it a quick gentle stir and taste. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or a pinch of salt to revive the flavors before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute and provides a similar creamy texture with added protein.

• How long can I keep this salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for about 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Roma, cherry, or beefsteak tomatoes are excellent choices. Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This tomato garlic salad is completely vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to various dietary preferences.

Tomato Garlic Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 56 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this tomato garlic salad, bringing sun-kissed ingredients together with zesty charm. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes create a simple yet irresistible dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5–6 beefsteak tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, grated

Dairy Components:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and freshly crushed garlic in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy aromatic dressing.
2. Slice ripe tomatoes into generous, rustic chunks, ensuring they are roughly the same size for consistent texture and presentation.
3. Gently fold the tomato chunks into the prepared garlic-infused dressing, coating each piece evenly with the creamy mixture.
4. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh dill across the salad, distributing the herb for a vibrant burst of flavor and visual appeal.
5. Delicately season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully stirring to distribute the seasoning without breaking the tomato pieces.
6. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and enhance the salad’s taste profile, serving chilled for maximum refreshment.

Notes

• Crush garlic cloves freshly for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic punch.
• Use ripe, firm tomatoes at room temperature to enhance their natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Consider adding chopped green onions or chives for extra zesty crunch and herbal notes.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 56
• Calories: 20 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 4 mg