There’s something magical about the way grilling transforms tomatoes—bringing out their natural sweetness while adding a smoky depth of flavor. Now, imagine pairing that with creamy, herby marinated feta, and you’ve got a salad that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness! This Grilled Tomatoes & Marinated Feta Salad is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of warm, charred tomatoes and cool, flavorful cheese, making it a stunning side dish or a light meal on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Smoky grilled tomatoes and tangy, herby feta create a mouthwatering contrast.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with maximum flavor payoff—perfect for beginners!
Great for Any Occasion: Serve as a side for grilled meats, a light lunch, or even as an appetizer.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the feta in advance for even more flavor.
Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
This dish is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something delicious.
- Cherry or Roma Tomatoes – Grilled until slightly charred and bursting with flavor.
- Feta Cheese – Creamy, tangy, and perfect for marinating.
- Olive Oil – The base of the marinade, adding richness and depth.
- Garlic – A punch of aromatic goodness that enhances every bite.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – Brightens up the dish with a fresh citrusy touch.
- Fresh Herbs – Think oregano, thyme, or basil for that classic Mediterranean feel.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A little heat to balance the creamy feta.
- Balsamic Glaze – A sweet and tangy drizzle to finish it off.
Instructions
Marinate the Feta: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Cut the feta into cubes and toss gently in the marinade. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Tomatoes: Toss the cherry or Roma tomatoes with a little olive oil and place them directly on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they soften and get a slight char. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the grilled tomatoes on a serving platter. Scatter the marinated feta cubes over the top, letting some of the marinade drizzle over everything.
Finish with Flavor: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a crack of black pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the tomatoes are warm, with toasted bread or as a side to grilled meats.
How to Serve Grilled Tomatoes & Marinated Feta Salad
With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade.
Alongside Grilled Meats – Complements grilled chicken, lamb, or steak beautifully.
Over Greens – Toss with arugula or baby spinach for a heartier salad.
As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks for a fun, shareable dish.
With Pasta or Grains – Mix into cooked quinoa or orzo for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Marinate the feta a day in advance to let the flavors deepen.
Use a Grill Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan works perfectly.
Try Different Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, parsley, or even mint for a fresh twist.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac for extra depth.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cheese? Goat cheese or halloumi would be great alternatives.
Can I roast the tomatoes instead of grilling? Yes! Roast them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I use store-bought marinated feta? Absolutely! But homemade always tastes better.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? A drizzle of honey or a splash of red wine vinegar works just as well.
Can I make this dairy-free? Try marinating firm tofu instead of feta for a plant-based version.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party? Serve it on a platter with toasted baguette slices or pita chips.
Can I grill large tomatoes instead of small ones? Yes, just slice them into thick rounds for even grilling.
How do I make this spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Can I use flavored olive oil? Yes! Garlic-infused or herb-infused olive oil adds extra depth.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Tomatoes & Marinated Feta Salad is the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors. It’s a dish that feels effortlessly elegant but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re serving it as a side, appetizer, or light main course, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try it out, and let me know what you think—happy grilling!
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Grilled Tomatoes & Marinated Feta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This vibrant grilled tomato salad combines smoky, juicy tomatoes with marinated feta, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfect as a light summer side or a refreshing appetizer, this salad bursts with bold flavors from preserved lemon, herby harissa, and Castelvetrano olives.
Ingredients
Grilled Tomatoes
- 6 medium tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp preserved lemon BBQ sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Marinated Feta
- 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- A few fresh oregano sprigs
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tbsp herby harissa
- 3 strips orange or lemon zest (optional)
Herb Salad
- 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (or 2 oz arugula)
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh chives
- 15 fresh basil leaves, torn if large
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, halved and pitted
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp preserved lemon BBQ sauce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
Instructions
Grill the Tomatoes
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the halved tomatoes with salt, then brush with 2 tbsp olive oil and ¼ cup preserved lemon BBQ sauce.
- Grill for about 3 minutes per side, until soft and lightly charred. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool, then cut each tomato into 4 uneven pieces.
- In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp preserved lemon BBQ sauce.
Marinate the Feta
- Place the feta cubes in a glass jar or container.
- Drizzle with olive oil and top with oregano, chives, garlic, herby harissa, and citrus zest strips (if using).
Prepare the Herb Salad
- In a bowl, mix parsley (or arugula), chives, basil, and olives.
- Toss with olive oil and preserved lemon BBQ sauce.
Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the grilled tomatoes and cherry tomatoes on a serving plate.
- Crumble marinated feta over the tomatoes.
- Scatter red onion slices on top, then finish with the herb salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg