Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing

There’s nothing quite as delightful as a bowl bursting with late-summer freshness, and this creamy tomato basil salad is exactly that—juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a punchy, tangy dressing, all working in glorious harmony. The Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing come together quickly, but their vibrant colors and complementary flavors make every forkful feel downright celebratory. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next cookout or simply enjoy an effortless weeknight side, you’ll love keeping these simple flavors in your summer rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling this salad together is as easy as gathering just a handful of beautiful staples. Each of these Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing plays a key role, offering fresh flavors, creaminess, or a bright little zing that brings balance and depth.

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped: Choose the juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find—they’re the absolute star of the show, and their sweet acidity sets the tone for the dish.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a zesty background heat that deepens every bite, so don’t skip it.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Basil brings in a herbal sweetness and a pop of color that screams summer.
• ½ cup creamy dressing of choice (such as yogurt or mayonnaise): This is what gives the salad its silkiness—feel free to get creative and choose your favorite base.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Useful for richness and that unmistakable Mediterranean touch.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Balsamic lends brightness and a subtle, fruity tartness to balance the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste as you go!
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional): A salty, nutty finish that adds wonderful depth if you want a cheesy layer.

How to Make Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes and Garlic

Begin by giving your tomatoes a gentle wash under cool water, then slice them into generous bite-sized pieces. Toss these into a spacious salad bowl. Next, finely mince your garlic cloves—this helps distribute their pungency evenly rather than giving you any harsh bites. Scatter the garlic over the bed of chopped tomatoes, letting their aromas mingle right from the start.

Step 2: Chop and Add the Basil

Take a handful of fresh basil leaves and give them a rough chop, so you get both flavor and beautiful flecks of green in every spoonful. Drop the basil into the bowl with tomatoes and garlic. The basil releases its natural oils as you chop, infusing the entire salad with its signature fragrance.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, blend together your chosen creamy dressing (yogurt or mayo both work beautifully), the olive oil, and the balsamic vinegar. Use a fork or whisk to thoroughly combine everything until the mixture is silky and uniform. This mixture will coat the tomatoes, binding all the flavors together.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the luscious dressing evenly over your tomato mixture. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss to make sure every tomato piece is lightly covered. Now’s the time to sprinkle in the salt and pepper—start with a pinch and taste, adjusting until the salad sings with flavor, but none of the fresh Ingredients are overshadowed.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan (Optional) and Chill

If you’re feeling indulgent, add a snowy dusting of grated parmesan cheese across the top. The cheese melts slightly into the dressing, adding another flavor dimension. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes—this resting time lets all those vivid Ingredients meld into pure magic.

How to Serve Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, layer on a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. Cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of extra parmesan really wakes up the Ingredients and gives your salad a bistro-worthy look.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, seared fish, or a hearty slice of toasted sourdough. Thanks to the simplicity of the Ingredients, it pairs beautifully with almost any summer main, whether you’re firing up the grill or stacking sandwiches for a picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, scoop the salad into halved avocados or pile it on crostini for easy appetizers. For a modern twist, serve in small mason jars—layering the Ingredients for a visually stunning effect that’s also perfectly portable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop after a night’s rest, often tasting even better the next day. Just be sure to stir gently before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe—the tomatoes and fresh basil will lose their texture and charm. The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well to freezing, either, so it’s best to enjoy all the bright flavors fresh and crispy.

Reheating

This is one salad you’ll always want to serve chilled or at room temperature. If you find yourself with leftovers straight from the fridge, let the bowl sit on the counter for 15 minutes, then give it a gentle toss to refresh the Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes bring even more sweetness and beautiful color pops. Just halve or quarter them, and they’ll work gorgeously in the salad.

What’s the best creamy dressing to use?

It depends on your mood—plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy, lighter touch, while mayonnaise gives richer creaminess. Even a mix of the two works if you love both! Homemade dressings also let you adjust flavors to suit your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Opt for a plant-based mayo or unsweetened vegan yogurt, and skip the parmesan or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative. The fresh Ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, so the swap is simple.

How far in advance can I prepare the salad?

You can prepare this salad up to one day ahead. In fact, letting it chill a few hours gives time for the flavors to meld even more—just hold off on the parmesan garnish until serving for the best texture.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

No need to peel! The tomato skins contribute lovely color and a little texture. Just make sure you’re using ripe, smooth-skinned tomatoes for the best bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fresh, crave-worthy side that practically shouts “summer,” I hope you’ll give these Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad with Creamy Dressing a try. There’s pure joy in gathering these simple, sun-kissed flavors together—I can’t wait for you to taste just how special an everyday tomato salad can be!

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