he Magic Tomato Salad

🍅 Garden-Fresh Tomato Salad: Simple, Flavorful, and Full of Goodness

Sometimes the most comforting meals come from the humblest ingredients. This Garden-Fresh Tomato Salad is one of those effortlessly delicious dishes that turns everyday produce into something vibrant, nourishing, and totally crave-worthy.

Perfect for solo lunches, laid-back dinners with friends, or served alongside grilled meats or fish—this salad is a sunny celebration of seasonal flavors. It’s quick, heart-healthy, and made with pantry staples.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad

This isn’t just another tomato-and-lettuce side dish. What gives it that wow factor is the mix of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, fragrant basil, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that ties it all together.

It’s ideal for:

• Older adults looking for nutritious, easy-to-chew meals
• Caregivers wanting to serve light, wholesome fare
• Anyone craving a dish that tastes like pure summer sunshine

Bonus: It’s easy to double for group gatherings, lunches, or meal prep.

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🛒 What You’ll Need

🥗 Salad

Ingredient	Amount & Notes
Ripe tomatoes	4–5 (cherry, grape, or heirloom work great)
Small red onion	1, thinly sliced
Small cucumber	1, sliced or diced
Fresh basil leaves	A handful, torn or chopped
Optional cheese	Feta crumbles or mozzarella pearls

🥣 Dressing

Ingredient	Amount & Notes
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tablespoons
Red wine/balsamic vinegar	1 tablespoon
Garlic	1 clove, minced or grated
Dijon mustard	1 teaspoon
Honey or maple syrup	½ teaspoon, for balance
Salt & pepper	To taste

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prep Your Veggies
   Wash and chop the tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
2. Whisk the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust to taste.
3. Toss It All Together
   In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and basil. Add cheese if using. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat. Let sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
4. Serve & Savor
   This salad shines on its own or alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or fresh crusty bread. It’s best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the fridge for about a day.

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💬 Quick Tips for Easy Prep

• Save time with pre-chopped veggies if needed
• Swap the vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a citrus twist
• Add chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost
• Skip extra salt and use herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor

Simple, seasonal, and soul-satisfying—this tomato salad is your new go-to.