Ina Garten Tomato Feta Salad Recipe

This Ina Garten Tomato Feta Salad is a bright, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s full of fresh flavor, crunchy textures, and creamy feta. It’s the perfect side for summer meals, barbecues, or a light lunch. With ripe cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a simple vinaigrette, this salad brings out the best of seasonal ingredients with minimal effort.

What Is Ina Garten Tomato Feta Salad?

Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad combines juicy tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and red onion tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a no-fuss dish that captures the taste of the Mediterranean in each bite and is perfect for entertaining or everyday meals.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata
• Ina Garten’s Crispy Roasted Kale
• Ina Garten’s Crusty Baked Potatoes
• Ina Garten Eton Mess

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients
• Full of Mediterranean flavor – The feta, olives, and vinaigrette bring bright, bold notes
• Perfect summer dish – Best when tomatoes are in season and bursting with flavor
• Customizable – Easily adapt with your favorite herbs or extras like cucumbers
• Pairs with many mains – Complements grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches
• Great for entertaining – A colorful, crowd-pleasing salad for any occasion

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• 1½ pounds cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 10 ounces feta cheese, diced
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned

For the vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ½ cup good olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tomato Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Slice the tomatoes and onion – Cut cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette

Whisk the dressing – In a small bowl, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully emulsified.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

Combine ingredients – In a large serving bowl, add tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and basil.

Step 4: Add cheese and dressing

Toss gently with feta – Pour in the vinaigrette and toss lightly. Add the diced feta last and stir carefully to avoid breaking it.

Step 5: Let it rest

Allow flavors to blend – Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Grilled chicken skewers – Complements the smoky, savory flavor
• Lemon garlic shrimp – A fresh contrast with citrusy seafood
• Toasted pita bread – Great for scooping and soaking up dressing
• Quinoa or couscous – Turn it into a light meal with grains
• Chilled white wine – Pairs beautifully with the salty feta and herbs
• Roasted vegetable platter – Add more color and variety to your table

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Use ripe tomatoes – Sweet, juicy tomatoes make all the difference
• Crumbly feta works best – Choose good-quality Greek feta for texture and flavor
• Don’t overdress the salad – Start with less vinaigrette and add as needed
• Serve at room temperature – Enhances the flavors of herbs and vinaigrette
• Add dressing just before serving – Keeps everything crisp and fresh
• Chill leftovers quickly – Keeps the texture from getting soggy

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Add cucumber slices – For a refreshing, crunchy twist
• Toss in cooked orzo – Turn it into a hearty pasta salad
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts – Adds a nutty bite and crunch
• Use marinated feta – Adds extra layers of herby flavor
• Try heirloom tomatoes – Adds variety in color and taste
• Include roasted red peppers – Brings sweetness and smokiness

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 2 days
• Avoid freezing – Tomatoes and feta don’t freeze well
• Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead – Prevents a soggy texture
• Use fresh herbs before serving – They wilt quickly once chopped
• Store feta separately – If you’re making it in advance, add cheese just before serving

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad

• Serve chilled or at room temperature – No need to reheat
• Let sit out 15 minutes before eating – Enhances flavors
• Stir gently before serving – Redistributes vinaigrette and juices
• Avoid microwaving – It will affect the texture of the feta and tomatoes

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours ahead, but add the vinaigrette and feta just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What type of tomatoes work best in this salad?

Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal because they’re sweet, juicy, and hold their shape well, but you can also use heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes if available.

How do I prevent the feta from crumbling too much?

Add the feta at the end and toss the salad gently. Use block feta cut into cubes instead of pre-crumbled for better texture.

Can I substitute the red wine vinegar in the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a lighter, citrusy twist without compromising flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s both simple and elegant.

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