Garlic Basil Tomato Salad is a now favorite of mine, especially for those moments when “continued canning” is just not an option. Although wonderful at any time during the growing season, it is also a great transitional dish at the end of season … you know, when you just want to be done with food preservation for a while. This recipe helps use up the stragglers from the tomato patch when there are either not enough tomatoes for a another batch or you have just “had it up to here” with water baths & mason jars. Garlic Basil Tomato Salad is excellent served on or with fresh Italian bread as a side dish. But you can also put it on a juicy hamburger or place the tomatoes and onions on top of some salad greens and drizzle on the oil, vinegar, and garlic as the dressing. Also, you can make this dish up ahead of time because the longer it marinades, the better it is. This makes it a quick, convenient, refreshing side for those bring a covered dish occasions. Wow, such possibilities for any meal.


- 10 to 20 Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium-large red/purple onion
- 1 cup of virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 2-3 large garlic cloves
- 1-2 T of dried basil
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Loaf of Italian bread for dipping or serving sliced
- Slice the tomatoes like you would for a sandwich
- Cut the onion in the same fashion
- Arrange the tomato and onion in a shallow glass dish (8x8 or 9x13 depending on how many tomatoes you have - I used an 8x8 as shown here)
- Pour the olive oil and vinegar into a small mixing bowl, measuring cup, or other container
- Mince the garlic into the oil & vinegar mixture and stir
- Pour over tomatoes and onions
- Sprinkle with dried basil and garnish with fresh basil
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to marry the flavors.
- It is even better after a couple days of marinating so it is the perfect make-ahead salad for those occasions when you are supposed to bring a covered dish.
Meet Kathy
Contributing Author
Kathy is a Licensed Massage Therapist who thrives on making people feel better. She has a good understanding of the human body, its pains, aches, and ills and she knows there is more than one way to ease or even eliminate them. It doesn’t have to be pills, procedures, or surgeries. Sometimes just a little TLC, knowledge of some pressure points, and simple, natural remedies can do more good than any prescription. She works closely with Mary (below) to research and evaluate natural remedies and to ensure they are used properly and beneficially. Kathy also has found a passion for organic gardening, growing her own herbs & medicinals, and creating recipes from her garden. Other interests include living a healthy life style, hiking, canoeing, riding her quad, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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