The cherry tomato salad is a fresh, quick, and flavorful summer recipe, perfect to serve on the hottest days. Made with simple and genuine ingredients like sweet cherry tomatoes, Tropea red onion, crunchy cucumber, tuna, and mozzarella balls, this salad is perfect both as a side dish and as a light main dish. The addition of olives and fresh basil completes the dish, making it fragrant and appetizing.
Very easy to make, this salad is ready in a few minutes, making it an ideal solution for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or to take to the beach and office. If you’re looking for a tasty and colorful idea, cherry tomato salad is the perfect answer.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Ingredients for the Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe
- 14 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tropea red onion
- 1 cucumber
- 5.5 oz tuna (drained)
- 7 oz mozzarella (balls)
- 3.5 oz Taggiasca olives
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- to taste basil
Tools for the Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
Steps
To prepare the cherry tomato salad, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half.
Thinly slice the Tropea red onion.
Peel the cucumber, slice it into rounds, then into cubes.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion,
the cucumber,
the drained tuna,
the mozzarella balls,
the Taggiasca olives.
Season with salt and pepper,
drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Add a few torn basil leaves and mix gently.
The cherry tomato salad is ready to be served, fresh and fragrant. Enjoy it immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes for an even more refreshing dish.
The cherry tomato salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, in an airtight container. It is advisable to add the extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil just before serving to maintain the aroma and texture of the ingredients.
If you prepare the salad in advance, store the more delicate ingredients, like mozzarella balls and dressing, separately, and combine them at the time of consumption for a consistently fresh and tasty result. Avoid freezing the salad, as vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber do not withstand intense cold well and would lose their texture.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What can I substitute for mozzarella balls?
You can substitute mozzarella balls with feta cubes, smoked scamorza, or primo sale, depending on your tastes.
What type of tuna is recommended for this recipe?
Tuna in oil is the most suitable for this salad, preferably of good quality and well-drained. Alternatively, you can use natural tuna for a lighter version.
Can I prepare the cherry tomato salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, but I recommend adding the extra virgin olive oil and basil just before serving to retain the freshness of the ingredients.
