When you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner side dish, this tomato salad with herbs, shallots, and lime is the perfect choice. With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that effortlessly elevates any meal.
Combining the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with tangy lime-soaked shallots and fragrant fresh herbs, this salad is as versatile as it is flavorful.
Why This Recipe is a Dinner Favorite
Tomato salads are a staple for their simplicity and ability to pair well with almost any main course. However, this recipe takes the classic concept to a whole new level by introducing lime-marinated shallots.
The lime’s acidity mellows the shallots’ sharpness, creating a lightly pickled topping that perfectly balances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness. Combined with a medley of fresh herbs, this salad is an irresistible blend of flavors.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. It’s light enough to serve as a refreshing side dish but can easily be transformed into a main course with a few simple additions.
With only a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that showcases the beauty of seasonal produce.
Key Ingredients That Make This Salad Shine
- Heirloom Tomatoes: These vibrant, sweet tomatoes come in a variety of colors and shapes, making the salad both delicious and visually stunning. If heirlooms aren’t available, any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work.
- Shallots: Sliced thin and soaked in lime juice, the shallots add a zesty, tangy note to the dish. Red onions can be substituted for a slightly stronger flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: A mix of herbs like basil, parsley, or chives adds an aromatic freshness that ties the flavors together. Mint or tarragon can also be used for a unique twist.
- Lime: The star of the recipe, lime juice not only balances the sweetness of the tomatoes but also enhances all the other ingredients.
How to Serve This Recipe
This salad shines as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even steak, adding a refreshing counterpoint to rich, smoky flavors. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes, balancing creamy or hearty sauces.
For a vegetarian dinner, serve this salad alongside a grain bowl or on top of a flatbread for a simple yet satisfying meal.
For a more filling option, consider adding protein to the salad. Crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts work beautifully.
You could also toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
Tips for a Perfect Tomato Salad
- Season Generously: Tomatoes love salt, so don’t be afraid to season generously to bring out their natural flavor.
- Prepare Ahead: Soak the shallots in lime juice for at least 10 minutes while you slice the tomatoes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil takes the salad from good to amazing.
A Recipe for All Occasions
This tomato salad with herbs, shallots, and lime is the ultimate dinner recipe. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep.
With its beautiful presentation and refreshing taste, it’s sure to become a go-to dish for any occasion.
Heirloom Tomato Salad for Dinner
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1 small shallot sliced (or ~2 tablespoons sliced red onion)
- 1 lime zest and juice
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes a mix of varieties, if possible
- Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
- ¼ cup fresh soft herbs chives, parsley, basil, tarragon, cilantro, fennel fronds, or mint
Instructions
- Prepare the shallots: In a small bowl, combine the sliced shallot with the zest and juice of the lime. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Let this mixture rest for 10 minutes to mellow the shallot's flavor.
- Slice the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into your preferred shapes—thick rounds, large chunks, or wedges. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them. Arrange the tomato pieces on a serving platter.
- Season the tomatoes: Sprinkle the tomatoes generously with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Scatter the prepared shallots and a small amount of the lime-shallot liquid over the tomatoes.
- Finish with olive oil and herbs: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the salad and top with fresh herbs. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or shallot liquid, as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.