Cherry Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Cherry Tomato Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. With juicy nectarines, creamy ciliegine, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, it’s a deliciously light option for a side or a simple lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 nectarines, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup very thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/2 of a small shallot, finely diced
• 1 8-oz container Ciliegine, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• 1 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Flaky salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped nectarines, thinly sliced cucumber, diced shallot, halved ciliegine, chopped parsley, and basil.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and flaky salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or honey if needed.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate and meld together.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a different flavor twist.
• Swap nectarines with peaches or mangoes depending on the season.
• For a vegan version, omit the ciliegine or replace it with marinated tofu cubes.
• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently tossed again before serving if it sits for a while. Avoid storing the salad with the dressing for too long to keep the ingredients crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare and mix the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute for ciliegine cheese?

If ciliegine is unavailable, small mozzarella balls or crumbled feta also work well in this salad.

Cherry Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.4 from 116 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Cherry Tomato Salad featuring juicy nectarines, crisp cucumber, and creamy Ciliegine mozzarella, dressed with a tangy champagne vinegar and lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or a summer side dish.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 nectarines, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup very thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/2 of a small shallot, finely diced
• 1 8-oz container Ciliegine (small mozzarella balls), halved
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped basil

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Flaky salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped nectarines, thinly sliced cucumber, finely diced shallot, halved Ciliegine mozzarella, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to form the fresh salad mixture.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and flaky salt until well emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning by adding extra lemon juice or honey if desired.
3. Toss the salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the combined salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats all components.
4. Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and marinate for enhanced taste.

Notes

• Use ripe nectarines for the best sweetness and juiciness.
• For a vegan version, substitute Ciliegine mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one hour.
• Adjust the level of honey and lemon juice in the dressing to balance sweetness and acidity according to taste.
• Flaky salt adds a nice texture and finishing touch, but regular salt can be used if unavailable.

Keywords: Cherry Tomato Salad, Nectarine Salad, Summer Salad, No Cook Salad, Fresh Salad, Ciliegine Mozzarella Salad, Mediterranean Salad