The Ultimate Easy Sweet Cherry and Tomato Salad

This sweet cherry and tomato salad is one of my favorite ways to celebrate summer. Juicy ripe tomatoes, sweet fresh cherries, basil, and a simple olive oil and reduced balsamic dressing that comes together in 10 minutes.

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Every summer I end up making this salad at least once a week. It looks fancy enough to serve when friends come over, but it’s so simple I usually throw it together while the grill is heating up or honestly for lunch tossed with some fresh mozzarella.

The combination of sweet cherries and juicy tomatoes always surprises people in the best way, and once they take a bite, they’re asking for the recipe. It’s one of those effortless summer dishes that lets fresh, seasonal ingredients do all the work.

Why This Is My Go-To Summer Salad

• Ready in just 10 minutes
• Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
• A colorful fresh salad for warm weather
• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
• A delicious salad for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight meals
• One of my favorite easy recipes for tomato season

What You Need to Make This Sweet Cherry and Tomato Salad

• Tomatoes: Use ripe heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or any fresh summer tomatoes. Farmers market tomatoes are especially delicious.
• Sweet Cherries: Add juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes. Look for fresh, firm cherries in the produce section.
• Shallot: Gives a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad. 
• Fresh Basil: Adds fresh, peppery flavor. Fresh oregano or mint makes a great substitute if needed.
• Saba: A sweet, syrupy Italian vinegar that ties everything together. Find it near specialty vinegars, or use balsamic glaze instead.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I always reach for this brand because California Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil is usually fresher than many imported oils.
• Morton Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A simple dressing that lets the fresh ingredients shine. If using table salt, use a little less since it’s finer.

How to Make Sweet Cherry and Tomato Salad

1. Prepare the Produce. Using a sharp knife, quarter the tomatoes if they’re large or halve smaller tomatoes. Pit and halve the cherries, thinly slice the shallot, and tear the basil.

2. Assemble the Salad. Arrange everything on a serving platter or gently toss the ingredients together in a large bowl.

3. Dress the Salad. Whisk the saba and olive oil together in a small bowl, then drizzle over the salad. No Saba? Substitute with reduced balsamic by simmering 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it’s reduced by half, about 3–4 minutes. It’ll have a similar sweet, syrupy consistency that’s perfect for this salad.

4. Season and Serve. Finish with black pepper and kosher salt (or flaky sea salt), then serve at room temperature. If you have them, garnish with edible nasturtium flowers for a beautiful pop of color and a subtle peppery bite.

Cherry Tomatoes vs. Grape Tomatoes

People ask me all the time if they should use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes in this sweet cherry and tomato salad, and the good news is either one works! Both make a delicious fresh tomato salad, so I usually grab whichever looks the ripest.

• Cherry tomatoes are round, extra juicy, and naturally sweet. They’re perfect if you want a bright, juicy bite in every forkful.
• Grape tomatoes are oval-shaped with slightly thicker skins and a meatier texture. They hold their shape well and are a great choice if you’re making the salad ahead of time.

If you have gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, garden tomatoes, or other ripe tomatoes from the farmers market, don’t hesitate to use those instead. The best summer tomato salad starts with the freshest tomatoes you can find, no matter the variety.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this sweet cherry and tomato salad is how easy it is to adapt with what you have on hand.

• Use any tomato. Sweet grape tomatoes, ripe cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even chopped large fresh tomatoes all work beautifully.
• Try different fresh herbs. Fresh basil leaves are my favorite, but fresh oregano or mint adds a delicious twist.
• Swap the fruit. Use other stone fruits instead of, or in addition to the cherries. Peaches, nectarines, plums, or apricots would all be great.
• Add cheese. Fresh mozzarella or burrata is a classic combination but crumbled feta or queso fresco would also be great.
• Serve it with bread. Spoon the juicy tomatoes and cherries over slices of crusty bread or toasted sourdough bread for an easy summer appetizer.

What to Serve With Sweet Cherry and Tomato Salad

This easy summer salad is the perfect side salad for grilled main dishes, and it’s always a hit at picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.

Serve it alongside:

• Juicy Grilled Pork Burgers
• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Pork chops
• Salmon
• Grilled shrimp
• Oven Broiled Beef Skewers
• Crusty bread or toasted sourdough bread
• Ham & Broccoli Pasta salad
• An olive salad for a Mediterranean-inspired spread

Leftovers and Storage

This salad is best eaten at room temperature within an hour of making but if you do have leftovers…

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The tomatoes will release more juices as they sit, so give the salad a gentle stir before serving.
• Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before eating.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The fresh tomatoes and cherries become watery and lose their texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sweet cherry and tomato salad ahead of time? You can prep the tomatoes, cherries, and shallots up to an hour in advance, but wait to add the basil, olive oil, and saba until just before serving. This keeps the tomatoes fresh and prevents the salad from becoming watery.

What can I use instead of saba? If you don’t have saba, use a balsamic glaze or make a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it is thick and glossy.

Can I add cheese? Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella, bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), mozzarella pearls, creamy goat cheese, or feta cheese all pair beautifully with the sweet cherries and juicy tomatoes. If you want to make the salad a little heartier, bocconcini is my favorite choice for a fresh, Caprese-inspired twist.

Can I use frozen cherries? No. Frozen cherries release too much liquid once thawed. Fresh cherries give the salad the best texture.