Easy Tomato Salad with Feta, Basil & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor — this easy tomato salad with feta, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes is everything I want in a simple summer salad. It’s the kind of healthy tomato salad you can toss together in ten minutes but looks (and tastes) like it came straight out of a seaside taverna on a Greek island.
It’s juicy. It’s herby. It’s salty-sweet perfection. And it’s exactly the kind of Mediterranean tomato salad that makes me fall in love with summer all over again.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Tomato Salad
- Fresh and flavorful: ripe tomatoes + basil + olive oil + balsamic = magic.
- Quick and easy: ten minutes, zero cooking, 100% Mediterranean vibes.
- Healthy & vegetarian (or vegan): naturally gluten-free and rich in antioxidants.
- Versatile: perfect as a side salad for lunch or dinner, or a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Pro Tip:
Always salt your tomatoes before mixing — it draws out just enough juice to create the most delicious natural dressing base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this fresh tomato salad:
- 3 juicy large tomatoes, diced (use vine-ripe or heirloom if possible)
- 1 cucumber, diced (for that cooling crunch)
- 6–7 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped — they add that chewy, umami-rich sweetness
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano (Mediterranean herbs are everything here)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (use a good extra virgin one — it makes a difference!)
- ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 100g feta cheese or vegan feta, crumbled
How to Make This Easy Tomato Salad
- Prep your produce. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Toss it together. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Dress and season. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Toss to combine.
- Add the feta. Gently fold in the feta crumbles (don’t overmix — keep those chunks intact).
- Serve and enjoy. Best served fresh, ideally outdoors with a chilled drink in hand.
Pro Tip:
For maximum flavor, let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the tomatoes can mingle with the dressing.
The Secret to an Irresistible Mediterranean Tomato Salad
Here’s what takes this from good to “wow”:
- Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes. Summer tomatoes = peak flavor.
- Balance the salt and acid. Feta is salty, so go light on salt at first — you can always add more after tasting.
- Don’t skip the basil. Fresh basil adds that sweet, peppery note that ties everything together.
- Add a touch of sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar) into your dressing for bonus depth.
Quick Summary:
Juicy tomatoes + tangy feta + fresh herbs + good olive oil = Mediterranean bliss in a bowl.
Variations You’ll Love
This salad is endlessly adaptable. Try these twists:
- Greek Style Tomato Salad: Add kalamata olives, red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Protein Boosted: Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or quinoa for a high-protein vegetarian meal.
- Vegan Option: Swap feta for vegan cheese or marinated tofu.
- Italian-Style Tomato Salad: Use fresh mozzarella instead of feta and drizzle with pesto.
- Winter Tomato Salad: Use roasted or sun-blushed tomatoes when fresh ones aren’t at their best.
Pro Tip:
If you’re making this ahead for meal prep or a picnic, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Why This Salad Is So Good for You
This healthy vegetarian tomato salad checks all the boxes:
- Packed with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
- Olive oil supports heart health (key to the Mediterranean diet).
- Feta adds protein and calcium without being heavy.
- Naturally low-calorie, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense.
It’s the kind of Mediterranean tomato salad recipe that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.
Storage & Meal-Prep Tips
- Make ahead: Prep everything but the feta and basil — add those just before serving.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- Picnic Perfect: Transport the salad undressed and assemble right before serving for best texture.
What to Serve It With
This easy tomato and cucumber salad with feta pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled veggies, falafel, or halloumi
- Mediterranean lentil patties or veggie skewers
- Crusty bread (to soak up that amazing dressing!)
- A glass of iced green tea… because you know I’m that person
Tomato Salad FAQs
Make it a meal
Serve with:
More delicious salads you might like:
- Easy vegan Greek salad
- Vegan Spanish bean salad
- Roasted fennel and tomatoes salad
- Easy quick couscous salad
- Couscous with roasted carrots and Dukkah
And serve with a tasty bread like:
Delicious sauces you might like
- Best Quick Chinese Stir Fry Sauce
- Homemade Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce
- Copycat Arbys Red Ranch Sauce
- Easy Vietnamese Peanut sauce
- Easy Gluten Free Ponzu Sauce
- 10 Easy Hot Pot Dipping Sauces
- Japanese Hibachi Brown Sauce
Easy Tomato Salad with Feta, Basil & Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Quick Mediterranean Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe tomatoes – diced (vine-ripe or heirloom for best flavor)
- 1 cucumber – diced
- 6-7 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – chopped
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt – adjust to taste
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 bunch fresh basil – chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cups/3.5oz (100g) feta cheese or vegan feta, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Dice the tomatoes and cucumber. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
- Mix the base: In a salad bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Finish with basil and feta: Add chopped basil and crumbled feta, folding gently to keep the texture intact.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or let rest for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For maximum flavor: Salt tomatoes lightly before mixing to release their juices and deepen flavor.
- Upgrade your dressing: Add 1 tsp of sun-dried tomato oil from the jar for extra richness.
- Avoid sogginess: Add feta and dressing right before serving if making ahead.
- Make it vegan: Swap feta for vegan cheese or marinated tofu.
Variations
- Greek-Style Tomato Salad: Add kalamata olives, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- High-Protein Version: Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or quinoa.
- Italian-Style: Replace feta with mozzarella and drizzle with pesto.
- Winter Tomato Salad: Use roasted or oven-dried tomatoes when fresh ones aren’t in season.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Add feta and basil just before serving for best texture.
- Great for meal prep, BBQs, and picnics — just store dressing separately.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 185 kcal | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 240mg Serving Suggestions Pair with grilled halloumi, veggie skewers, falafel, or crusty bread. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate Mediterranean summer salad vibe.Final Thoughts
This easy Mediterranean tomato salad is my go-to when I want something quick, healthy, and ridiculously flavorful. It’s a summer salad recipe that proves simple ingredients can create big, bold flavors — no fancy prep required.
About the Author
Recipe developed by Simone, a vegetarian chef and food blogger with 13+ years of vegan cooking experience.
