Salad With Lettuce And Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Looking for a quick and healthy salad that’s ready in minutes? This salad with lettuce and cherry tomatoes is perfect for busy days when you want something light, fresh, and delicious. Made with crisp lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and

This is a very simple salad that can be put together in less then 5 minutes, especially if you are using packaged lettuce leaves.  You can make this salad with any kind of lettuce – the picture above shows romaine lettuce.

Why You’ll Love Salad With Lettuce And Cherry Tomatoes

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in under 5 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute addition to any meal. No complicated prep work required!
• Light and Healthy: Made with fresh lettuce and cherry tomatoes, this salad is low in calories, packed with nutrients, and super refreshing.
• Customizable: You can use any type of lettuce or even add your favorite salad toppings like cucumbers, avocado, or shredded cheese.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, and salt, this recipe is budget-friendly and hassle-free.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, pasta, or even as a stand-alone light meal.

Cherry tomatoes are a great addition to simple salads like this.  Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and have less liquid and seeds inside than regular tomatoes.  Another advantage of cherry tomatoes over regular tomatoes is the fact that you don’t have to chop them – you can just eat them whole.  Or if you prefer, you can slice the cherry tomatoes in half.

This easy salad is really delicious!

Ingredients:

• Lettuce – Provides the base of the salad with a crisp and fresh texture. Use any kind you like, such as romaine, butter lettuce, or a spring mix.
• Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
• Olive oil – The base for the dressing, giving a smooth and rich taste.
• Vinegar or lemon juice – Adds a tangy kick to the dressing. Use your favorite vinegar or fresh-squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors of the salad.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Salad With Lettuce And Cherry Tomatoes

• Measuring Cup – For measuring the olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice for the dressing.
• Small Bowl – Perfect for mixing the dressing ingredients together.
• Whisk or Fork – To quickly and evenly combine the dressing.
• Serving Plate – To assemble and present the salad beautifully.

Directions:

In a cup, whisk olive oil and lemon juice (3 parts of oil to 1 part of vinegar) – this is the dressing for the salad.

Put lettuce leaves on a plate, drizzle with the dressing and toss.

Put cherry tomatoes on top.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salad alongside Sweet And Tangy Honey Lemon Chicken Kebabs, Juicy Air Fryer T-Bone Steak, or Tender And Juicy Instant Pot Salmon for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Pair it with a bowl of Creamy Instant Pot Mushroom Soup With Spinach – Keto-Friendly or a Classic Grilled Turkey And Cheese Sandwich for a light and comforting lunch.
• Top the salad with Homemade Air Fryer Croutons, Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan Cheese, or Perfectly Roasted Walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Add some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
• Use it as a base and add protein like Easy Hard Boiled Eggs, Perfectly Cooked Chickpeas In The Instant Pot, or Juicy And Crispy Frozen Shrimp In The Air Fryer to make it a hearty main course.

Tips For Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe cherry tomatoes. Pre-washed packaged lettuce can save time and still deliver great results.
• Balance the Dressing: Stick to the 3:1 ratio of olive oil to vinegar or lemon juice for a dressing that’s perfectly balanced—not too tangy, not too oily. Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed.
• Customize the Salad: While this recipe keeps it simple, feel free to add other ingredients like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced red onions to boost flavor and texture.
• Toss Just Before Serving: Dress the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Experiment with Vinegars: If you love variety, try using balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Variations And Substitutions

• Change the Greens: Swap out the lettuce for spinach, arugula, kale, or mixed greens for a different base. Each type of green brings its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
• Try Different Tomatoes: If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use grape tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes, or even heirloom varieties for a burst of color and taste.
• Add a Protein Boost: Transform this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas. These additions make it hearty while keeping it nutritious.
• Include Additional Veggies: Cucumber slices, shredded carrots, red bell peppers, or radishes can add crunch and color to your salad.
• Play with the Dressing: Switch the olive oil dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or even a honey mustard dressing to change the flavor profile.
• Make It Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and taste.
• Go Nutty: Toss in some toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and healthy fats.

Storage And Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the dressing to the entire salad if you plan to save some for later. Keep the lettuce and tomatoes separate from the dressing until you’re ready to eat.
• Reheating: Since this is a no-cook salad, there’s no need for reheating. Simply toss the ingredients together and enjoy cold for the best taste and texture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or whisk it before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses regular lettuce, you can substitute it with romaine, iceberg, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix. Each type will add its own texture and flavor to the salad.

Do I have to slice the cherry tomatoes?

Not at all. Cherry tomatoes can be served whole, making this salad even quicker to prepare. If you prefer smaller bites, you can slice them in half for easier eating.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Wash and dry the lettuce, store it in an airtight container, and keep the cherry tomatoes and dressing separate. Assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What other toppings can I add to this salad?

Feel free to customize! Some great options include sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, red onions, croutons, or shredded cheese. You can even add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?

Of course! While the simple olive oil and vinegar dressing adds a fresh homemade touch, your favorite bottled dressing works just as well for convenience.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, as it uses only fresh vegetables and a simple olive oil dressing.

How long will leftovers last?

If undressed, the salad can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Once dressed, it’s best enjoyed immediately, as the lettuce will wilt over time.

Other Easy Lettuce Recipes

Low-Carb Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps – Healthy And Gluten-Free – These flavorful lettuce wraps are filled with seasoned turkey, perfect for a low-carb and gluten-free meal.

Fresh Avocado, Tomato, And Lettuce Salad Recipe – A light and refreshing salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce.

Stir-Fried Lettuce Recipe – Quick Way To Use Leftover Greens – This easy stir-fried lettuce dish transforms leftover greens into a savory and delicious side.

Strawberry And Lettuce Green Salad Recipe – Sweet strawberries and crunchy lettuce combine for a vibrant and healthy salad.

Other Easy Cherry Tomato

Creamy Pasta With Ricotta And Cherry Tomatoes Recipe – A comforting pasta dish featuring tangy ricotta and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Cherry Tomato And Parmesan Pea Salad Recipe – Juicy cherry tomatoes and tender peas tossed with Parmesan for a fresh and flavorful side dish.

Oven-Baked Cherry Tomatoes Recipe – Sweet and caramelized, these roasted cherry tomatoes are a perfect addition to any meal.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Sweet Mini Bell Peppers Roasted – Healthy And Simple Recipe
• Quick Sauteed Red Cabbage Recipe – Nutritious And Flavorful
• Salami And Cream Cheese Italian Pinwheel Recipe