Lettuce and Tomato Salad
Crisp iceberg lettuce and juicy ripe tomatoes tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. This classic American side salad comes together in minutes and adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to any meal. Light, refreshing, and endlessly versatile.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Wash and dry the lettuce.
Chop or tear the iceberg lettuce into bite-size pieces. Rinse under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Any remaining water will dilute the dressing.
TIPDry lettuce is key — wet leaves make the dressing slide off and pool at the bottom. - prep · ~2 min
Cut the tomatoes.
Core the tomatoes and cut into even wedges or bite-size chunks. If the tomatoes are very juicy, gently shake off excess seeds.
- mix · ~1 min
Make the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper.2.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened (30 sec).TIPTaste the dressing with a piece of lettuce — adjust vinegar or salt before tossing the whole salad. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
Place the dried lettuce and tomato pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates. This salad is best enjoyed right away while the lettuce is crisp and cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry iceberg lettuce thoroughly in a salad spinner to prevent watery dressing.
- 2Core tomatoes before cutting to remove tough stem ends and improve texture.
- 3Whisk the vinaigrette vigorously right before tossing so it stays emulsified.
- 4Taste the dressing on a single lettuce leaf before dressing the whole salad.
- 5Serve immediately after tossing — iceberg wilts quickly once dressed.
- 6Chill the lettuce and tomatoes for 15 minutes before assembling for extra crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-Infused
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or basil to the vinaigrette for an aromatic lift that brightens the salad.
Creamy DressingCreamy Dressing
Replace the vinaigrette with a mixture of 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon buttermilk, and a pinch of garlic powder for a retro American-style creamy salad.
Crunchy AdditionCrunchy Addition
Top with 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds or crumbled bacon for extra texture and savory depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
Made primarily from iceberg lettuce and tomatoes, this salad is naturally low in calories, making it a light addition to any meal.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh tomatoes provide a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating Ingredients
Both iceberg lettuce and tomatoes have high water content, contributing to daily hydration.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil in the dressing supplies monounsaturated fats, which are associated with cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, romaine or butter lettuce can replace iceberg, though they will offer different crunch levels and absorb dressing differently.
