Mediterranean Delight: Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe with Feta Cheese

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through crafting this Mediterranean delight in your kitchen. From the luscious cherry tomatoes that burst with sweet and tangy juices to the crumbled feta cheese that imparts a creamy, savory note, and the aromatic touch of fresh oregano – every element of this Cherry Tomato Salad is thoughtfully chosen to evoke the flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients for Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese

Cherry Tomatoes. I prefer using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness & gentle acidity, and juicy texture. Feel free to use other types of tomatoes, such as grape tomatoes, mini plum tomatoes, pear tomatoes, or small roma tomatoes.

Feta Cheese will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to Cherry Tomato Salad. Feta pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.

Red Onion adds an extra layer of flavor and a subtle crunch.

Fresh Oregano brings an earthy depth to the Cherry Tomato Salad. Its fragrant, slightly peppery notes enhance the dish with a Mediterranean touch.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking. EVOO not only serves as the base for the salad’s dressing but also adds a silky richness. Its fruity undertones and healthy fats contribute to the heart-healthy nature of the Salad.

Flavorful Variations and Additions

Here are a few variations and additions that can add your personal touch to this Cherry Tomato Salad:

Kalamata Olives will add a burst of briny flavor. Their intense taste complements the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.

Cucumber will refresh our Cherry Tomato Salad and give it a crisp texture.

Toasted Pine Nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and a delicate nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and feta.

Fresh Basil will elevate the salad to a Caprese-style. The combination of basil, tomatoes, and feta is a classic Mediterranean trio.

Citrus Zest – lemon, orange, or even a hint of lime, for a zesty twist.

Quinoa Boost – transform the Cherry Tomato Salad into a heartier meal by mixing in cooked quinoa. This protein-packed addition adds substance and makes it a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Balsamic Vinegar – consider drizzling a quality balsamic over the salad. The rich sweetness of the balsamic balances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Tomato Salad

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite culinary symphony.

Grilled Chicken or Fish: The light and zesty Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta beautifully complements grilled chicken or fish.

Pasta Dishes: Pair the salad with pasta dishes, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or a lemony linguine. The salad’s brightness offsets the richness of the pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Mediterranean Mezze: Serve the salad with other mezze dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel.

Roasted Vegetables: Serve the salad alongside roasted vegetables, such as Roasted Potatoes with Cauliflower.

Quiche or Frittata: Enjoy the salad as a side with a slice of Quiche or a wedge of Frittata.

Crispy Flatbreads: Serve the Cherry Tomato Salad with crispy flatbreads topped with hummus, roasted red peppers, and olives.

Lamb Kebabs: The Cherry Tomato Salad with Feta is a perfect addition to succulent lamb kebabs.

Lentil or Bean Salad: Pair the salad with a hearty Lentil Salad with Smoked Chicken or Black-eye Bean Salad for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

Seafood Pasta: Match the Cherry Tomato Salad with a seafood pasta dish, such as linguine with clams or shrimp scampi.

Storing Suggestions

Refrigeration: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid once the salad has been assembled. Refrigerate the salad promptly to keep it fresh.

Short-Term Storage: For the best taste and texture, aim to consume the salad within 1-2 days of preparation.

Olive Oil Dressing: If you’ve dressed the salad with olive oil, keep in mind that olive oil may solidify in the refrigerator. This is normal and doesn’t affect the quality of the salad. Simply let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow the oil to liquify again.

Red Onion: If you’ve added red onion to the salad and wish to store it for a longer period, consider removing the onion slices before refrigerating. Red onion tends to release moisture, which can affect the overall texture of the salad over time.

Refreshing Before Serving: If you find that the salad has lost a bit of its vibrancy after refrigeration, you can refresh it before serving. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil and gently toss the ingredients to invigorate the flavors.

Separate Ingredients: If you’re storing the salad for longer than a day, consider storing the ingredients separately. Place the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh oregano in separate airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving.

Avoid Overdressing: If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s a good idea to slightly underdress the salad when preparing it. Add only a portion of the dressing and keep the remaining dressing on the side. This prevents the salad from becoming too soggy during storage.

Try Other recipes from NutriQuorum

Green Salad Recipe with a Blueberry Twist

Nutritious & Colorful Fruit Salad Recipe

Quinoa Salad – Simple and Healthy Recipe

Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Feta Cheese