Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs
When it comes to summer salads,Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs strike the perfect balance between freshness and comfort. Juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy chickpeas, fragrant herbs, and crunchy golden garlic breadcrumbs create a salad that is both light and satisfying. This recipe is quick to make, requires just a handful of pantry ingredients, and can be enjoyed as a main or side dish.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your everyday tomato salad, adding garlic breadcrumbs is a game-changer. They provide texture, depth, and a burst of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of ripe tomatoes beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Packed with flavor: Sweet tomatoes, earthy chickpeas, tangy lemon, and crunchy garlic breadcrumbs.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as part of a mezze spread.
- Vegan-friendly: 100% plant-based and naturally dairy-free.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs
For the salad
- 500g tomatoes – Use a mix of ripe cherry, plum, or heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 can chickpeas (400g, drained and rinsed) – Adds creaminess and plant-based protein.
- 1 small red onion, thinly chopped – Provides a sharp, zesty bite.
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves – Classic tomato pairing.
- 1 handful fresh parsley – Adds freshness and balance.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For richness and flavor.
- Juice of ½ lemon – Brings brightness and acidity.
- ½ tbsp dried oregano – Mediterranean herbal depth.
- Salt, to taste
For the garlic breadcrumb topping
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs – For extra crunch (regular breadcrumbs work too).
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds – Nutty flavor and added texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed – The star ingredient of the topping.
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil – To crisp everything up in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, pasta, or plant-based protein dishes.
- With crusty bread: Serve with toasted sourdough or pita to soak up the tomato juices.
- In a mezze spread: Combine with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and flatbread.
- On top of grains: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat for a hearty main course.
- With avocado: Add sliced avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.
Tips for the Best Tomato Salad
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes. The flavor of the salad depends heavily on the quality of your tomatoes. Summer is the perfect time to make this dish.
- Don’t skip the resting time. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before topping with breadcrumbs. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add the breadcrumbs last. This ensures they stay crunchy and don’t absorb too much tomato juice.
- Balance the acidity. Taste and adjust the lemon juice – some tomatoes are sweeter and may need more acidity.
- Fresh herbs matter. Dried herbs won’t provide the same lift as fresh basil and parsley.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the tomato salad (without breadcrumbs) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Breadcrumbs: Keep the garlic breadcrumbs in a separate container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add them just before serving.
- Meal prep tip: Make a big batch of garlic breadcrumbs to use on soups, pastas, and other salads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs
1. Can I make this Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbsahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tomato salad up to a day in advance, but store the breadcrumbs separately and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
2. What kind of tomatoes work best?
Any ripe, juicy tomatoes work. Cherry, grape, heirloom, or plum tomatoes are great choices. Mixing different varieties adds color and depth of flavor.
3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
No, canned tomatoes won’t work for this recipe as they are too watery and lack the fresh, crisp texture needed for the salad.
4. Are the breadcrumbs gluten-free?
Regular panko breadcrumbs are not gluten-free, but you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
5. Can I replace chickpeas with another legume?
Absolutely. White beans, cannellini beans, or even lentils make good substitutes.
6. How can I make the Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs more filling?
Serve it with cooked grains (quinoa, bulgur, farro), or add roasted vegetables, avocado, or grilled tofu for a heartier meal.
7. Do I have to use sesame seeds in the breadcrumbs?
No – they add a nutty flavor, but you can leave them out or replace with sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds.
8. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, but the salad tastes best fresh. If storing, keep the salad and breadcrumbs separate to avoid sogginess.
9. How long do the garlic breadcrumbs stay crunchy?
They stay crunchy for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Check out more recipes:
Moroccan Cauliflower Couscous Salad
Tomato Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 500 g (1.1lb) fresh tomatoes
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- juice of ½ lemon
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
- salt to taste
For the breadcrumbs:
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Breadcrumbs:
- Heat olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sesame seeds, sauté until fragrant. Stir in breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Salad:
- Slice tomatoes and place in a bowl. Add chickpeas, red onion, basil, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt. Toss gently.
- Transfer salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with garlic breadcrumbs just before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
