Looking for a fresh and tasty way to use those cherry tomatoes? This salad is super simple and highlights their natural sweetness.

With just a few ingredients like basil and feta, you’ll have a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh red cherry tomatoes

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

• 1 small clove garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1.Prepare the Tomatoes:

Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Slice each cherry tomato in half. If they’re particularly large, you can quarter them for more uniform pieces.

2.Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic.

If you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar, add the honey or maple syrup. Whisk until well combined.

Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3.Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped fresh basil leaves.

Pour the dressing over the tomato and basil mixture. Gently toss to ensure all the tomatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.

4.Add the Extras:

If using, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the salad. This adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness that complements the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.

Crumble the feta cheese over the top. Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes.

For added texture and a nutty flavor, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top.

5.Serve:

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. This also gives the tomatoes a chance to absorb the dressing.

Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Tips:

• This salad is versatile and can be adjusted according to what you have on hand. Try adding sliced cucumbers, olives, or even a bit of avocado for extra flavor.

• For a more substantial dish, you can add cooked quinoa or farro to make it a hearty meal.

Enjoy your fresh cherry tomato salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!

Lykkers, we’d love to hear what you think about this cherry tomato salad recipe! Have you tried making it yourself, or do you have any creative twists to share? Drop your thoughts or photos in the comments below—we’re always excited to see how you put your spin on things. Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!