Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

In a world where food is both art and solace, I present to you a vibrant tomato salad that transforms your daily dose of veggies into a gallery-worthy masterpiece, one juicy slice at a time.

The colors and flavors of a fresh heirloom tomato salad are so vibrant that I can’t help but love them. Along with the juicy sweetness of heirloom and cherry tomatoes, there’s the bite of red onion and the aromatic freshness of basil—ingredients that, together, make a salad incredibly nutritious and as delicious as any heirloom dish can be.

Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped with optional feta, this is a summer dish I adore.

Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Heirloom Tomatoes: Vibrant and sweet; rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds aromatic freshness; contains essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Red Onion: Offers a mild spice; a source of fiber and vitamin C.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; enhances flavor and supports nutrient absorption.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a tangy sweetness; contains acetic acid for digestive benefits.
• Feta Cheese: Optional savory creaminess; supplies calcium and protein.

Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 large heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella, optional

How to Make this Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

1. Start with an in-depth cleanse of the heirloom and cherry tomatoes, exposing them to a stream of cold water and using a gentle yet firm touch to work away any dirt or residue. Follow this with a precision drying of each tomato, using a crisp, clean towel to restore the moisture-rich surface to a just-picked state.

2. The vibrant colors of the heirloom tomatoes are best exhibited when they are cored and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. The next step is to slice the tomatoes.

3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and put them in a big serving bowl with the heirloom tomato wedges.

4. Slice the red onion very thinly and scatter the slices over the tomatoes in the bowl.

5. Tear the fresh basil leaves with your hands to release their aroma and sprinkle them over the salad.

6. Lightly coat the tomatoes and onions by drizzling extra-virgin olive oil evenly over them.

7. Include a splash of balsamic vinegar in the salad for a tangy contrast.

8. Generously season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ensure even distribution.

9. With the utmost gentleness, combine all the ingredients together, taking special care to ensure the tomatoes remain unbruised.

10. If you wish, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or pieces of mozzarella over the top before serving for added creaminess. Serve at once and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors.

Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Paring knife (for coring tomatoes)
4. Large serving bowl
5. Salad spinner or colander (for washing tomatoes)
6. Kitchen towel (for drying tomatoes)
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Mixing spoon or salad tongs
10. Pepper mill (for freshly ground black pepper)

FAQ

• Can I use other types of tomatoes?Yes, indeed! While tomatoes with heritage give a special taste and hue, you can swap them for any variety of plump, juicy tomatoes you have lying around.
• Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?Certainly, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, although the taste will differ somewhat.
• How long will the salad stay fresh?It is ideal to eat the salad a few hours after making it for the best possible taste and texture. Storing it overnight is a definite no-no if you want to keep the tomatoes from releasing more juice and becoming soggy.
• Can I add protein to the salad?Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make this a much more filling dish.
• Is there a vegan option for cheese?You can omit the cheese or substitute it with vegan feta or mozzarella to comply with a plant-based diet.
• How can I mellow the sharpness of the red onion?Soak the sliced red onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness still further! This is a great way to prep them for salads if you’re not crazy about super-oniony flavors. I learned this technique from cookbook author Suvir Saran.

Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Heirloom tomatoes: If heirloom tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with regular vine-ripened tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.
Red onion: Use shallots or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Basil, fresh: Change out with fresh mint or parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Avocado Oil or Light Olive Oil: Use in place of extra-virgin olive oil.

Avocado oil and light-tasting olive oil are more suitable than extra-virgin olive oil for high-heat cooking.
Balsamic Vinegar: When you can’t find balsamic vinegar, go with one of these substitutes: apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even sherry vinegar. They’ll give your dish a slightly different flavor—normally, an acceptable trade-off when you’re cooking.

Pro Tips

1. Select Perfect Tomatoes Use tomatoes that are ripe but firm to the touch. This will ensure they hold their shape when sliced and tossed, preventing sogginess in the salad.

2. Chill Your Ingredients For a refreshing touch, chill your tomatoes, basil leaves, and red onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before preparing the salad. This enhances the crispness and refreshes the flavors.

3. Enhance the Basil Flavor Tear the basil leaves using your hands rather than cutting them with a knife. This helps release more of their essential oils, maximizing the aromatic impact in the salad.

4. Emulsify the Dressing Before drizzling, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a separate small bowl to create a more emulsified dressing. This will coat the salad more evenly and provide a balanced flavor.

5. Use High-Quality Olive Oil Since olive oil is a prominent flavor in this salad, opt for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste. The quality of your olive oil can significantly elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.