Simple Salad With Lettuce Leaves And Tomatoes

Nothing beats the crisp, refreshing taste of a Simple Salad With Lettuce Leaves And Tomatoes! This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light, healthy meal. With just a few fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, this salad delivers delicious flavor in minutes—no fuss, no hassle!

Can you say “Summer”? Can you say “Healthy”? Can you say “Crisp”? Can you say “Colorful”? Can you say “Bright”? Can you say “Refreshing”?

This is what this simple salad with lettuce leaves and tomatoes is.  So simple, and so yummy!

A salad doesn’t need to be fancy to taste great.  This super simple salad tastes delicious, and is so easy to make.  You won’t see this salad recipe in any cookbooks, because the cookbook authors think it’s way too simple to count as a recipe.  Well, I wish everybody published such simple recipes as this salad recipe!  Real people cook simple stuff on a regular basis, and only *sometimes* have time and energy for the fancy stuff.  This simple salad with tomatoes and lettuce leaves is a great fresh addition to any dinner.  Adding a salad turns a mundane dinner into a more sophisticated meal… no matter how simple the salad is.

Why You’ll Love Simple Salad With Lettuce Leaves And Tomatoes

• Super Quick & Easy – This salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just fresh, simple goodness!
• Light & Refreshing – Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes make this salad a refreshing addition to any meal. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, especially when paired with a tangy dressing.
• Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this salad is a guilt-free way to add more greens to your diet. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and vegan-friendly!
• Customizable & Versatile – You can easily switch up the ingredients by adding cheese, nuts, or other fresh veggies. Whether you keep it simple or get creative, this salad is always delicious.
• Pairs With Everything – Serve it alongside grilled meats, pasta dishes, or sandwiches for a complete meal. It’s the perfect way to elevate any dish with a fresh and vibrant touch!

Ingredients for the Simple Salad With Tomatoes And Lettuce Leaves:

• Lettuce leaves – Use any type of lettuce, such as romaine, butter, or green leaf, for a fresh and crisp texture.
• Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add a sweet, juicy bite, while larger tomatoes provide a more robust flavor.
• Olive oil and vinegar (OR bottled Italian dressing) – This simple dressing adds richness and tanginess, enhancing the fresh flavors of the salad. Balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar all work great.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Simple Salad With Lettuce Leaves And Tomatoes

• Cutting board – A sturdy surface for chopping the tomatoes.
• Knife – Needed to slice cherry tomatoes in half or cut larger tomatoes into smaller pieces.
• Mixing bowl – Used to toss the lettuce with the dressing for even coating.
• Measuring spoons – Helpful for measuring the olive oil and vinegar ratio if making homemade dressing.

How To Make Simple Salad With Tomatoes And Lettuce Leaves:

If you are making your own dressing, mix together olive oil and vinegar (at the ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar).

If you are using cherry tomatoes, cut them in halves.  If you are using big tomatoes, cut them into quarters, then each quarter into slices.  Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

Put the lettuce leaves in a bowl, add the dressing and toss so the lettuce is coated with dressing.

Put the lettuce leaves on individual plates, then put the tomatoes on top.  Serve this simple salad immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salad as a fresh and light side dish alongside Flavorful Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Thinly Sliced Steak, or Garlic Butter Baked Swai Fish.
• Pair it with a bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup and a Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Breadsticks for a simple yet satisfying lunch.
• Top it with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add some crunch with Perfectly Toasted Walnuts or sunflower seeds.
• Enjoy it as a base for a heartier salad by adding Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, Instant Pot Chickpeas, or sliced avocado.

Tips For Success

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients – Since this salad is so simple, the freshness of the lettuce and tomatoes makes all the difference. Choose crisp, vibrant lettuce leaves and ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Dry the lettuce well – After washing the lettuce, make sure to pat it dry or use a salad spinner. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
• Cut tomatoes just before serving – Tomatoes release juice after being sliced, which can make the salad watery if they sit too long. For the freshest taste and best texture, cut them just before assembling the salad.
• Toss the lettuce gently – When mixing the lettuce with the dressing, use a light hand to prevent bruising or wilting the delicate leaves.
• Customize to your taste – Feel free to experiment with different vinegars, add-ins like fresh herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. A little creativity can make this simple salad even more delicious!

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Greens – Swap the lettuce for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a slightly different texture and flavor. Butter lettuce adds a delicate touch, while kale makes the salad heartier.
• Alternative Dressings – Instead of olive oil and vinegar, try using lemon juice for a citrusy twist or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. A creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar can also work well for a richer flavor.
• Add More Vegetables – Enhance the salad with sliced cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. Avocado also pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
• Boost the Protein – Turn this into a more filling meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs. These ingredients make the salad a satisfying main dish.
• Cheese Options – Sprinkle with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan to add a savory, creamy element. Cheese balances the acidity of the dressing and enhances the overall taste.
• Crunchy Toppings – Add toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or croutons for extra texture. This makes the salad even more enjoyable with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Low-Oil Option – If you prefer to avoid added oils, simply use vinegar or lemon juice alone as a dressing. You can also blend avocado with lemon juice for a creamy, oil-free option.
• Herb Infusion – Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill can brighten up the flavors and give the salad a unique twist. Chopped fresh mint can add an unexpected but delicious freshness.

Storage And Reheating

• Storing Leftovers – This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the lettuce and tomatoes separate from the dressing. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keeping It Fresh – If prepped in advance, store the lettuce in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep it crisp. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until ready to slice.
• Dressing Storage – If using homemade dressing, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
• Avoid Freezing – Lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well, as they lose their texture and become soggy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! To keep it fresh, store the lettuce and tomatoes separately and add the dressing just before serving. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and the tomatoes from releasing excess juice.

What type of lettuce works best for this salad?

Any type of lettuce works well, but romaine, butter, or green leaf lettuce provide the best texture. If you prefer a peppery bite, try arugula or a mix of baby greens.

Can I use bottled dressing instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Bottled Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette are great options if you want to save time. Just drizzle it lightly to avoid overpowering the fresh ingredients.

How do I keep my lettuce from getting soggy?

Make sure to dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing it. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the leaves wilt faster. Using a salad spinner or patting the leaves dry with a paper towel helps a lot.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Cheese, nuts, or avocado also help make it a heartier meal.

Other Easy Lettuce Recipes

Low-Carb Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps – Easy & Gluten-Free Recipe – These flavorful turkey taco lettuce wraps are a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional tacos, packed with seasoned ground turkey and fresh toppings.

Fresh Strawberry Lettuce Salad – Light & Healthy Recipe – This refreshing salad combines crisp lettuce, juicy strawberries, and a tangy homemade dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Oven-Roasted Romaine Lettuce – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish – Roasting romaine lettuce brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor, making it a unique and tasty side dish.

Quick Sautéed Lettuce – Best Way To Use Leftover Greens – A simple and delicious way to use up extra lettuce, this sautéed lettuce recipe is lightly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection in just minutes.

Other Easy Tomato Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Tomatoes – Simple & Delicious Recipe – These air fryer stuffed tomatoes are filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then crisped to perfection for a flavorful appetizer or side.

Tomato Artichoke Salad – Easy & Flavorful with Canned Artichokes – This vibrant salad combines juicy tomatoes, tangy canned artichokes, and a zesty dressing for a quick and delicious side dish.

Avocado Corn Tomato Salad – Refreshing & Healthy Side Dish – Creamy avocado, sweet corn, and ripe tomatoes come together in this light, flavorful salad that’s perfect for summer meals or barbecues.

More Salad Recipes

• Peach Burrata Salad – Sweet & Savory Summer Delight
• Spicy Kani Crab Salad – Japanese-Style Easy Recipe
• Broccoli Apple Slaw – Healthy No-Mayo Crunchy Salad