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Creamy Tomato Garlic Salad Recipe

4.8 from 468 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish combining ripe tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil tossed in a luscious creamy dressing made with yogurt or mayonnaise, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It’s a perfect side salad that is both refreshing and rich, ideal for warm weather meals or as a vibrant addition to any dining table.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • ½ cup creamy dressing of choice (such as yogurt or mayonnaise)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped tomatoes into a large salad bowl.
  2. Add Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the tomatoes in the bowl to infuse the salad with a robust garlic flavor.
  3. Mix in Basil: Chop the fresh basil and add it to the tomato and garlic mixture for a fresh aromatic lift.
  4. Make Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine your choice of creamy dressing (yogurt or mayonnaise), olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  5. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently, ensuring all the tomato pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to distribute the seasoning throughout the salad.
  7. Add Parmesan (Optional): Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the salad for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
  8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make the salad lighter and add a tangy flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic taste.
  • The salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Adding fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme can add another layer of flavor if desired.
  • For a vegan version, use a plant-based creamy dressing and omit the parmesan cheese.

Keywords: creamy tomato salad, garlic salad, tomato garlic salad, vegetarian salad, Mediterranean salad, no-cook salad