Barefoot Contessa’s Refreshing Tomato Feta Salad Recipe

This barefoot contessa tomato feta salad bursts with Mediterranean charm and rustic elegance.

Summer’s bounty shines through vibrant, jewel-toned ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Fresh herbs and tangy cheese create a symphony of robust flavors that awaken your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully selected component, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Crisp textures and bright notes make this salad an irresistible companion to grilled meats or as a standalone light meal.

Colorful and refreshing, the combination promises to elevate any dining experience with its delightful simplicity.

Prepare to fall in love with this effortless yet stunning salad: your taste buds will thank you.

Top Tips for a Tasty Tomato Feta Salad

• Harvest Peak Tomatoes: Select sun-ripened, juicy tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness for maximum flavor impact.
• Crumble Feta Carefully: Gently break cheese into rustic chunks to preserve delicate texture and prevent mushy consistency.
• Brighten with Citrus Splash: Fresh lemon juice transforms the salad, adding vibrant, zesty notes that complement the rich feta.
• Marinate for Maximum Taste: Letting the salad rest allows ingredients to mingle, intensifying the overall Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Elevate with Salty Olives: Kalamata olives introduce a robust, briny element that perfectly balances the salad's fresh components.

Storage Hacks for Tomato Feta Salad

• Vacuum Seal Method: Use a vacuum sealer to remove excess air and prevent moisture buildup. This technique preserves the salad's crisp texture and prevents soggy ingredients, keeping feta and tomatoes fresh for up to 3 days.
• Glass Container Strategy: Store in a clear glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain ingredient integrity. Glass prevents flavor absorption from other refrigerator items and allows easy visibility of salad condition.
• Temperature Control Approach: Position the salad in the main refrigerator compartment, not the door, to ensure consistent cool temperature. Avoid placing near strong-smelling foods that might transfer odors and compromise the salad's delicate flavor profile.

Exciting Variations for Tomato Feta Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace basil and parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and mint for an authentic Greek-inspired flavor profile that enhances the tomato and feta combination.
• Spicy Provençal Version: Add red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a zesty, southern French-inspired kick that elevates the salad's complexity.
• Roasted Vegetable Remix: Grill cherry tomatoes and red onions until slightly charred before mixing, introducing a smoky depth that complements the tangy feta and fresh herbs.
• Mediterranean Grain Boost: Incorporate cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat to transform the salad into a more substantial meal, adding protein and creating a hearty side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Final Bite of Tomato Feta Salad

Mediterranean magic sparkles in this Barefoot Contessa tomato feta salad, where fresh ingredients dance together with extraordinary harmony.

Garden-fresh tomatoes mingle with sharp red onions, creating a symphony of flavors that transport palates to sun-drenched Greek islands.

Herbaceous basil and parsley whisper subtle complexity, while tangy feta cheese adds creamy richness to each delightful bite.

Zesty vinaigrette embraces colorful ingredients, weaving them into a culinary masterpiece that celebrates simplicity and elegance.

Summer memories emerge with each forkful of this classic recipe, inviting sensory exploration and pure gastronomic joy.

You’ll find this salad irresistible – so snap a photo, share the recipe, ignite conversation, and spread Mediterranean delight across your social circles.

Love the Zest of Tomato Feta Salad

• Burst with Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, zesty red onions, herbaceous basil and parsley, and tangy feta cheese creates a vibrant salad that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny Mediterranean coastline.
• Incredibly Simple, No-Fuss Preparation: With just a few quick chops and a simple whisked dressing, this salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Summer Entertaining Superstar: Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, casual lunch, or potluck gathering, this colorful salad adds a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that looks elegant but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Texture Play of Crisp and Creamy: The juicy tomatoes provide a fresh crunch, while the soft, crumbly feta adds a luxurious creaminess that creates an exciting contrast in every single bite of the salad.

Must-Have Ingredients for Tomato Feta Salad

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy base of the salad, choose ripe and vibrant red tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that adds punch, select firm and crisp onions.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings brightness, look for deep green leaves without wilting.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds herbal freshness and color, choose bright green leaves.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy component, select high-quality Greek or French feta with good texture.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides acidic balance, choose a smooth and mild variety.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing, use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground is recommended.

Easy Guide to Tomato Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Wash cherry tomatoes and red onion thoroughly. Slice cherry tomatoes into halves and place in a large mixing bowl. Finely dice red onion and add to tomatoes.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Dressing

• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Blend Herb Collection

• Basil leaves
• Parsley

Add chopped herbs to tomato mixture.

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

Pour prepared dressing over tomato and herb mixture. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Feta

Cut feta cheese into small, uniform cubes. Softly fold feta into salad, maintaining cube integrity.

Step 6: Allow Flavor Melding

Let salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows ingredients to harmonize and develop rich, complementary flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer salad to serving dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Best served at room temperature for optimal taste experience.

Barefoot Contessa Tomato Feta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa tomato feta salad brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table with fresh herbs and zesty flavors. Crisp cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese dance together, creating a refreshing side dish you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 450 grams (2 pints) cherry tomatoes, red or mixed colours
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Dairy:

• 340 grams (¾ pound) feta cheese, cut into cubes

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or Champagne vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice cherry tomatoes into halves, depositing them into a spacious mixing vessel. Finely dice red onions and incorporate them alongside the tomatoes.
2. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil (30 milliliters or 1 fluid ounces), red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a compact mixing bowl until thoroughly emulsified.
3. Introduce the prepared dressing to the tomato and onion mixture, gently coating each ingredient. Delicately chop fresh basil and parsley leaves, sprinkling them throughout the salad.
4. Tenderly cube the feta cheese into uniform 1-2 centimeter (0.4-0.8 inch) pieces, maintaining structural integrity. Softly fold the cheese cubes into the salad, ensuring even distribution without excessive crumbling.
5. Allow the salad to rest momentarily, permitting the flavors to harmonize and intensify. Serve at ambient temperature, presenting a refreshing and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

Notes

• Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil just before serving to enhance the salad’s richness.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like dill, mint, or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
• Chill ingredients beforehand for a refreshing summer side dish that stays crisp and cool.
• Crumble feta cheese at the last moment to maintain its delicate texture and prevent soggy spots.
• Toast pine nuts or sunflower seeds for an unexpected crunch that elevates the entire salad experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg