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Easy Tomato Salad drizzled with a zesty Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette is one of the best sides you’ll ever make. Fresh, bold, and bursting with flavor, this quick tomato salad comes together in minitues and pairs perfectly with just about everything.
This tomato salad takes things up a notch with an irresistble dressing made from garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s the kind of tomato salad recipe you’ll turn to again and again; whether you’re serving it with grilled steaks, lemon parmesan salmon foil packs, or a cozy lemon garlic roast chicken.

What Makes This Tomato Salad Work
What makes this tomato salad truly shine is its simplicity and bold flavor. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something that tastes incredible, just fresh, juicy tomatoes and a dressing that brings everything to life.
It’s everything you want in an easy tomato salad: fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you’re after a quick tomato salad for weeknight dinners or a reliable tomato salad recipe for gatherings, this one delivers every time.
What Goes Into This Tomato Salad
This easy tomato salad uses just a handful of fresh ingredients, but the flavor is anything but simple. The combination of ripe tomatoes and bold lemon parmesan vinaigrette makes this a must-have side dish for any meal.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Juicy and full of flavor, fresh tomatoes are the heart of this salad. Go for vibrant red, fully recipe ones for the best taste.
- Romaine Lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances out the soft tomatoes. You can also use butter lettuce for a more delicate bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan brings salty, umami depth to the dressing, giving it richness and character.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squuezed lemon brightens the entire dish, making the vinaigrette tangy and irresistible.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Tomato Salad
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss lightly to coat. Enjoy!
This tomato salad makes the perfect side for so many mains. Try it with juicy Steaks With Mushroom Gravy for a fresh contrast to the smoky flavors. It’s also a natural match for Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs, where the citrusy notes tie everything together beautifully. For something cozy and hearty, pair it with lemon garlic roast chicken. And if you’re keeping things light, serve it alongside Creamy Garlic Tuscan Butter Shrimp for a vibrant, well-balanced meal.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! Cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect for this salad. Just slice them in half and proceed with the recipe. They add a touch of sweetness and hold their shape well.
Romaine adds a nice crunch, but butter lettuce offers a softer, more delicate bite. You can also skip the lettuce altogether if you want a more classic tomato-only version.
Absolutely. Simply omit the parmesan or swap it with a dairy-free alternative. The vinaigrette will still be flavorful thanks to the garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
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Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
Ingredients
SALAD:
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce shredded or butter
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
DRESSING:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients in a large serving bowl.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together to combine. Drizzle over salad.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Have this as a low carb meal or as a side dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My husband dose not usually like salads but i made this one tonight and he went in for seconds!
Just made this for hubby and he said it’s the best salad he’s ever had!!
I have made this !!!!!delicious !!! I use the dressing for other salads as well. I have made a few of your salad recipes and loved them all— I am planning on trying a different one each week. Thank you so much for the great recipes.
Thank you!! I really need simple and tasty salad recipe??