Super-ripe summer tomatoes don't need much dressing up. When fresh tomatoes are in season, the best preparations let the natural tomato flavors do the talking. And these top-rated recipes respect the tomato at its peak. Not only are these dishes eye-catching from the vibrant colors, but the taste of each dish is unique in it's own way. Scroll through to get 15 of our favorite fresh tomato salad recipes to enjoy all season.
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Heirloom Tomato Salad with Rosemary
Fresh, colorful heirloom tomatoes are quartered and combined with olive oil, mild rice wine vinegar, rosemary, and oregano in this light, refreshing salad. "The sweetness of the ripe heirloom tomatoes was so nicely mixed with the rosemary," says Plates4u. "It was so fast and tasted great."
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Shoepeg Corn Salad
Jalapeño peppers provide a touch of heat to this corn and fresh tomato salad, and the creamy dressing cools things down. "Super easy, super tasty!" raves mcfarla4. "Perfect for a cookout. I'll definitely make this again and again!"
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Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Fresh tomatoes are sliced into wedges and combined with cucumbers, onions, and a simple oil-and-vinegar salad dressing. "This was superb," says Angel. "The sugar really helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar. Favorite salad ever!"
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Chef John's Panzanella
Use super ripe cherry tomatoes in this irresistible bread salad. "The key is frying the bread cubes in olive oil in a skillet, which makes them crispy," says Chef John. But the healthy fat also soaks into the bread cubes and renders them semi-waterproof, or dressing-proof. The same goes for the dusting of the Parmesan cheese applied halfway through the crisping process."
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Fire and Ice Salad
Cayenne pepper brings a hint of fire to this summer salad, starring fresh tomatoes, cool cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion rings. "Very tasty, I love the hot and sour flavors," says Wyattdogster. "Can't wait to make this in the summer with homegrown vegetables."
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Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cool tomato salad gets a tangy punch from sour cream, balsamic vinaigrette, and lemon juice. "I just love this," says Pirate. "It's a simple, quick, and tasty salad to assemble."
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Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad
"Heirloom tomatoes, ripe peaches, and fresh mozzarella are layered and topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette," says Julie Hubert.
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Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad
Slices of heirloom tomatoes are layered with buttery burrata cheese and beautiful fresh basil leaves, along with a healthy drizzle of olive oil. "Wow! So simple, but so good," raves Terri. "Worthy of a black tie dinner!"
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Vinagrete (Brazilian Tomato Slaw)
"This is an amazing dish! We had a new friend over for dinner from Brazil who said it was wonderfully authentic. This recipe will be repeated." —Miltymann
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Eggplant Tomato Salad
This 5-ingredient salad is convenient, flavorful, and so quick to make. "It's always a big hit!" says ANUTAD.
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Persian-Style Tomato Avocado Salad
"A refreshing summer salad that is a bit more substantial than a greens-based salad. It's unparalleled for taking advantage of the first succulent tomatoes of the season." —Chad
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Italian Bread Salad with Strawberries and Tomatoes
A unique take on your average panzanella salad. "Each ingredient has it's own intense flavor, and creates an explosive salad when combined," says Debra. "Perfect for a summer day."
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Cilantro Tomato Corn Salad
"A very quick, very pretty, and tasty side dish that can be altered to taste. I've made this for many different people and haven't had one complaint yet. It's especially good if you don't have time to cook, but don't want junk food." —Ds R.
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Bruschetta Salad
It's bruschetta in a bowl! Crushed garlic bagel chips are the shortcut secret ingredient in this tomato, mozzarella, red onion, and basil salad. "So good," says Kelly. "Best with the freshest tomatoes!"
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Watermelon and Tomato Salad
This salad combines the best of summer produce: sweet watermelon and ripe tomatoes. The result? "A light and tangy mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors," says kimbaleelou.