20 Tomato Salads That Are Cool, Refreshing and Full of Flavor

Fresh tomatoes come in all shapes, sizes and varieties, so it seems like there’s an option for every recipe. From small cherry tomatoes to big, robust heirloom tomatoes, these juicy fruits are the star of summer produce. Though they’re delicious when cooked, we love enjoying tomatoes totally fresh in a simple, seasonal salad. Whether you toss them with diced shallots or minced herbs, fresh tomatoes don’t need much—a bit of salt and pepper is enough to highlight the natural sweet and acidic flavors of the juice. The best part? Tomato salads are quick and simple to whip up, no cooking required.

This creamy, juicy salad is perfect for a fresh summer lunch or dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tomatoes, avocado, bacon, fresh herbs and a drizzle of homemade blue cheese dressing. Sweet, tangy and perfectly refreshing, it’s an easy dinner for hot days.

Tomato and watermelon are two of summer’s most plentiful fruits. They’re both sweet and juicy with light, refreshing flavor. Why not pair them together in a simple summertime salad? This recipe takes just 20 minutes to come together and combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Garnish with fresh tarragon and dress with a bit of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.

Slow-roasted tomatoes bring rich, caramelized flavor to this elegant Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple, summery and perfect served at room temperature.

Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs come together in this bright, colorful summer salad. Lightly dressed and full of crisp flavor, it’s an easy side dish for cookouts, picnics or weeknight dinners.

Panzanella salad is a fantastic way to use up summer’s bounty of fresh tomatoes. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover bread that might be going stale. Tomatoes, cucumber and red pepper combine to make a fresh and vibrant salad, while toasted bread helps soak up some of the tangy vinaigrette.

Kardea turns humble tomatoes into a 5-star salad by showering them with fresh herbs, salty feta cheese and a sweet-and-tangy homemade dressing. The whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes—and tastes so good it's bound to be eaten up even faster than that!

This might look like a simple tomato salad, but it’s so much more complex than that. A combination of raw and roasted heirloom and cherry tomatoes, this salad is perfect for a summer dinner party. Mustard, honey, chiles and vinegar make up the homemade dressing that’s equal parts acidic and sweet.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple salad couldn’t get any easier. We start by making a tangy homemade Caesar dressing that’s packed with bold flavor from with anchovies, mustard and parmesan cheese, then drizzle it over fresh tomatoes. Everything gets garnished with fleur de sel, capers, basil and fresh parmesan for even more bright flavor.

Who could say 'no' to salty bits of pancetta in their tomato salad? The secret to keeping it crisp, though, is timing. Valerie says that the salad taste better the longer it sits but advises you to 'add the pancetta at the last minute.'

Tomatoes and parmesan cheese is a timeless combination, and this recipe takes the perfect pairing one step further. Rather than sprinkling the fresh tomatoes with freshly-grated parmesan cheese, we bake the cheese until golden ahead of time, creating crunchy crisps that are savory and tangy. Fresh herbs like scallion and dill make the salad even more flavorful.

Tomato salads are juicy and sweet, which means they pair nicely with other summertime fruits like nectarines. Tangy red onion helps balance out the sweetness of the fruits, while arugula adds peppery heat. Crumbled ricotta salata cheese adds creamy, smooth texture.

Caprese salad is synonymous with summer, but this winter version is a fun iteration of the original. Ready in just 10 minutes, celery, mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes combine to make a crunchy, hearty salad that’s fresh and juicy. A simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper add moisture and flavor.

Tomato salads are typically cool and refreshing, so we love that this recipe offers a bit of heat. Lime juice adds bright acidity, while chili powder and ground cumin offer deep flavor and spice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil to help the flavors come together even more.

When you need a summery side but don't have many ingredients on hand (other than your bounty of tomatoes) reach for Ree's easy recipe. She flavors colorful grape tomatoes with garlic, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar for a versatile side that's super to go with whatever you're cooking up.

Ten minutes is all you need to whip up this crisp and crunchy salad. Diced cucumber, tomato, green bell peppers and scallions combine with chopped dill and parsley for a simple salad that couldn’t be fresher. Toss with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Fresh, simple and ready in under a half hour, this easy tomato salad is perfect for summer. All you need are plump, juicy heirloom tomatoes, some fresh tarragon, red wine vinegar and salt and pepper. Simply snip the tarragon and toss with the tomatoes, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

This simple salad is sweet, smoky and acidic. First, bacon gets cooked to crispy perfection in a hot pan, then shallots, corn, tomatoes and chiles warm through in the same pan while soaking up a bit of excess bacon fat. Fish sauce, lime juice and cilantro help balance out the richness of the bacon fat with a bit of fresh, tangy acidity.

Tomato salad can be really fresh and sweet, so adding some tangy blue cheese is a great way to introduce some complexity to this simple salad. First, we start by whisking blue cheese, oil, yogurt, Worcestershire sauce and water to create a thin and easy-to-drizzle dressing. Next, arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter and season with salt and pepper, then dress and serve.

BLT sandwiches are one of the best ways to let fresh, juicy tomatoes shine. If you’d rather skip the bread, this tomato-heavy sandwich can easily be turned into a salad, too. Simply toss the usual ingredients—bacon, lettuce and tomato—with a creamy homemade dressing and serve.