31 Tomato Salads That Shine In Summer

Put your freshest, juiciest tomatoes to good use.

By

Hallie Milstein

Published on August 25, 2024

Southern Living Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas — Photo:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

When it comes to savoring tomato season, we’re not too fussy. A ripe tomato in the height of summer is delicious just as it is, cut into wedges or sliced with a dash of salt and pepper. But our favorite tomato salads prove that patience is a virtue. Whether the star of the show or an essential ingredient, tomatoes are captured to their fullest potential in these irresistible summer salads.

01 of 31

Heirloom-Tomato Salad

Heirloom-Tomato Salad — VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

If you've got a handful of fresh tomatoes and no ideas on what to do with them, start here. It's hard to beat this simple but stunning tomato salad.

02 of 31

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad

Southern Living Tomato Mozzarella Salad on a platter to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fresh basil and creamy mozzarella are the perfect pairing to fresh, juicy tomatoes. This recipe pulls on classic Caprese salad with a southern twist: fresh garlic is whisked into bacon drippings, cane syrup, and apple cider vinegar for a smoky-sweet, tangy dressing.

03 of 31

Corn-And-Tomato Salad

Southern Living Corn and Tomato Salad in a serving bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Keep this recipe handy, because you're going to be needing it a lot this summer. Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and creamy dressing are just what you need to complete any and every meal this season.

04 of 31

Spring Salad with Berries and Bacon

Spring Salad With Berries and Bacon in bowl with tongs for serving - Southern Living — Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Bursts of cherry tomatoes and fresh sliced strawberries add pops of red to this mixed green salad. The best part? Strawberries are blended into a light honey-dijon vinaigrette for an extra boost of strawberry flavor that perfectly compliments the sweetness of the fresh cherry tomatoes.

05 of 31

Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas

Southern Living Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This dish is dressed to impress. Flavorful heirloom tomatoes and strips of sweet roasted bell pepper are dotted with crunchy roasted black-eyed peas and drizzled with a simple vinaigrette.

06 of 31

Millet Salad With Butter Beans, Okra, And Garlicky Marinated Tomatoes

Millet Salad With Butter Beans, Okra, And Garlicky Marinated Tomatoes — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DALEY; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL

Skip the greens and go for a grain salad. Millet grains complement summer tomatoes, okra, butter beans, and red onion, but quinoa or bulgar wheat would work too.

07 of 31

Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad

Southern Living Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad in a bowl to serve topped with feta — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh avocados, and crisp cucumbers make this a simple, rustic salad that’s perfect for a last minute dinner party side.

08 of 31

Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing

Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing — CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX

If a recipe has bacon in it, sign us up. It's no secret that bacon makes every dish better, and salads are no exception.

09 of 31

Arabic Salad (Cucumber and Tomato Chopped Salad)

Southern Living Arabic Salad in a bowl to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This version of Arabic Salad, a chopped tomato and cucumber salad popular across the Middle East, uses plenty of za’atar, a Levantine spice mix, for extra savory and lemony notes. It’s just one style of a versatile dish that can be served alongside practically anything, especially in the summer when tomatoes are at their very best.

10 of 31

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Southern Living Black Eyed Pea Salad in a bowl to serve with glasses of sparkling water — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Sweet grape tomatoes, bell peppers and celery bring pops of color and flavor to this wholesome, vibrant dish. It's a perfect side dish for cookouts and potlucks—you name it.

11 of 31

Seafood Pasta Salad

seafood pasta salad in a white bowl — Photographer and Props: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

This pasta salad is a win for seafood lovers. Dotted with hearty shrimp, grape tomatoes, and other veggies, a few dashes of Tabasco beautifully contrast this creamy dressing.

12 of 31

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: ALI RAMEE; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY

Crackers and tomatoes combine to create a classic and well-loved salad. It's like a tomato sandwich's equally enticing sibling.

13 of 31

Greek Salad with Baked Feta

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta in a bowl to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Classic Greek salad kicked up a notch! Instead of a sprinkle of feta cheese, we've topped our version of Greek salad with slabs of baked feta. The contrast in the temperatures—creamy, warm feta against fresh, juicy tomatoes—is delectable.

14 of 31

Chopped Salad

Southern Living Chopped Salad assembled on a platter ready to serve with dressing — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Dinner for everyone in less than 25 minutes? Yes, please. Fresh tomatoes along with hearty, filling toppings like cheese, ham, and bacon make this dish a hit even with people who don't like salads. A creamy buttermilk dressing brings everything together while toasty pecans provide nuttiness and crunch.

15 of 31

Easiest Ever Pasta Salad

Southern Living Pasta Salad in a bowl to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

The name says it all: this pasta salad is the easiest ever. Fresh tomatoes, artichokes, olives and pepperoncini add acid and punchiness that complement the dressing. It's a can't-miss side for spring and summer when fresh tomatoes are in their prime.

16 of 31

Southern Cornbread Salad

Southern Cornbread Salad — CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX

This potluck star is an instant crowd-pleaser. Between juicy tomatoes, classically delicious Southern cornbread, and crispy bacon, what's not to like?

17 of 31

Classic Macaroni Salad With Ham

macaroni salad with ham — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

You're just two steps away from a delightful macaroni salad that shows off the season's best tomatoes. Chop them up real small to blend in with other tasty veggies and cubes of ham.

18 of 31

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in the bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This pasta salad has everything you could ask for in a recipe. Bacon, ranch, herbs, and tomatoes are an unbeatable combination that will rule any potluck.

19 of 31

Chicken Tortellini Salad

Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Filled with luscious stuffed pasta and leafy green baby arugula, this summertime supper is both hearty and simple. Shredded chicken and cherry tomatoes are the cherries on top.

20 of 31

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe — HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: LYDIA PURSELL; FOOD STYLING: TONI BROGAN

With just a few ingredients in just a few minutes, you'll have an appetizer or side salad to please the masses. Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a classic Italian combination that has yet to steer us wrong.

21 of 31

Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Recipe — GREG DUPREE; PROP STYLING: KAY E. CLARKE; FOOD STYLING: CAT STEELE

When a hot and humid day calls for a light and bright lunch, Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad will do the trick. This vibrant salad shows off the best of the season and beautifully marries sweet and supple summer flavors.

22 of 31

Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad With Field Peas

Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: CLAIRE SPOLLEN; FOOD STYLING: RISHON HANNERS

It's rare for us to meet a pasta salad that we don't like. This one, however, is exceptionally good. Lemon Vinaigrette is the icing on the cake of a beautiful and bright summertime salad.

23 of 31

Shrimp Cobb Salad With Bacon Dressing

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing Recipe — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: MISSIE NEVILLE CRAWFORD; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX

This colorful salad is easy on the eyes and the tastebuds. It's got all the fixings, including shrimp, boiled eggs, blue cheese, bacon, and bright vegetables.

24 of 31

Herbed Chicken-And-Rice Salad

Herbed Chicken-and-Rice Salad — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: ALI RAMEE; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY

Bright, snappy produce and hearty chicken and rice combine for a delicious dinner that shines especially bright in the summertime. For busy nights, microwavable rice and store-bought rotisserie chicken help this meal come together in hardly any time at all.

25 of 31

Street Corn Salad

Street Corn Salad — HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ

Take your taste buds on a summer vacation with this Mexican-inspired Street Corn Salad. Just combine the ingredients with a dash of olive oil and some cheese and you're good to go.

26 of 31

BLT Salad With Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing And Buttery Croutons

BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons — ALISON MIKSCH

We took a BLT and turned it into a salad. You can thank us later. To make a great thing even better, be sure to bake the croutons and bacon on the same sheet.

27 of 31

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad — HANNAH ZIMMERMAN/SOUTHERN LIVING

Once you bring Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad with you on a picnic, you'll never want to go on a picnic without it. Part of the beauty of marinated salads is that they just get better with time, so there's no rush in reaching your destination.

28 of 31

7-Layer Salad

7-Layer Salad — JEN CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE

Each layer of this salad is better than the one before, and with seven layers to compete with, that's saying something. Serve it in a clear bowl so guests can marvel at each delicious row of salad goodies.

29 of 31

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad — VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DAILEY

Cowboy Casserole is one of our all-time favorite recipes, but we can admit that it's a bit much of a hot and steamy summer day. That's why we've adapted it for the season. Our pasta salad version has everything you love about the casserole but it also hits the spot on a humid day.

30 of 31

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad — PHOTOGRAPHER AND PROP STYLIST: JENNIFER CAUSEY FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY

Serve this summer salad at your next outdoor potluck or cookout and your guests are sure to be begging for your recipe in no time. If they can't place their finger on exactly what your secret ingredient is, it's the pistachios.

31 of 31

Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad

Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad — OXMOOR HOUSE

Cut up your tomatoes and watermelon is large chunks to satisfy even the strongest of summer produce cravings. Throw those in a bowl with thinly sliced onions, mint, red wine vinegar, and cracked pepper for a salad with all the flavors of summer.

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