Heirloom tomatoes are the epitome of summer produce. What better way to showcase their delicious flavour and stunning colours than in a fresh, vibrant heirloom tomato salad? In this recipe, we'll combine juicy heirloom tomatoes with a simple yet flavourful vinaigrette. This tomato salad recipe is visually stunning and bursting with flavour, making it the perfect addition to any summer meal.
CONTENTS
What are heirloom tomatoes?
- Heirloom tomatoes are traditional, non-hybrid varieties of tomatoes that have been preserved and passed down through generations.
- They are open-pollinated and grown from seeds that have not been genetically modified.
- These tomatoes come in various colours, sizes, and shapes and often have a more intense and complex flavour than commercially-grown tomatoes.
- Farmers and gardeners prize heirloom tomatoes for their unique qualities, and are increasingly popular in gourmet and specialty farmer's markets.
Why this recipe works
- It uses high-quality ingredients: The recipe calls for fresh juicy tomatoes, herbs, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Using high-quality ingredients is essential to making this salad.
- It's balanced: Combining sweet tomatoes, fruity olive oil and tangy vinegar creates a balanced flavour profile. The addition of fresh herbs adds a touch of freshness and complexity.
- It's simple to prepare: This recipe is quick and easy to make, with minimal preparation required. Slice the tomatoes, whisk the dressing ingredients, and assemble the salad. (If you're after other simple salad ideas - try my Greek lettuce salad or my Greek lentil salad - both are winners!).
- It's versatile: This heirloom salad makes a great side dish or light lunch. Add other vegetables, croutons, or even add your favourite cheese. (I love serving this salad with crusty bread - so simple!). Overall, this salad recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make summer side dish that highlights the natural flavour of the ingredients while offering a well-balanced taste.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Heirloom tomatoes: this is the star of this dish. Look for a variety of fresh heirloom tomatoes (preferably in season during the summer months) in a mix of colours if you can. I'm also adding heirloom cherry tomatoes for an extra splash of colour to the dish. If you can't get hold of the heirloom variety, sub with vine-ripened tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.
- Herbs: I'm opting for thyme, but you can use fresh basil (a classic combination, by the way!), oregano, marjoram or parsley for this delicious summer salad.
- Olive Oil: Use the best extra virgin olive you can get your hands on. I'm using the Greek variety, of course! Sub with walnut oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
- Vinegar: I'm opting for white wine vinegar. Substitute with balsamic vinegar, red wine, champagne or sherry vinegar. I prefer not to use lemon juice (but that's just me!).
- Garlic: finely minced garlic is optional, but I love the extra flavour it provides.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Use a good quality coarse sea salt and pepper.
Recipe Variations
While this simple salad is perfect, add a few other ingredients to make it next level.
- Red Onion: add thinly sliced red onions for an extra savoury kick.
- Cucumbers: add a few cucumbers for extra crunch, and you have summer on a plate!
- Avocado: Adding avocado is the perfect choice to keep the salad vegan. Plus, it adds natural creaminess too.
- Toppings: top with toasted pine nuts for a little added texture.
- Cheese: consider adding fresh mozzarella cheese, feta, or goat cheese. For an extra indulgence, try creamy burrata cheese; it will not disappoint!
How to make heirloom tomato salad
Thinly slice the tomatoes about ¼" thick. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half (if using). Alternatively, cut the tomatoes into wedges if you prefer.
Lay the tomatoes on a large platter and season with sea salt. (Allow them to rest for 15 minutes).
Prepare the salad dressing by whisking the olive oil, garlic and vinegar together.
Sprinkle over the freshly chopped thyme leaves.
Drizzle over the dressing.
Allow the salad to rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Expert tips
- Use fresh ingredients. I cannot stress this enough. This summer salad shines when the ingredients are fresh and at their peak.
- Don't store the tomatoes in the fridge, as this will change their texture and flavour. Instead, keep them at room temperature in your kitchen and store them in a bowl where they will continue to ripen.
- Don't be afraid to add salt. The salt provides flavour and helps to draw out the moisture of the tomatoes (that delicious tomato juice combined with the olive oil is a magical combination).
- Don't store leftovers in the fridge, as the tomatoes will become mushy, soggy and unappealing. Instead, make your dressing and keep it in the refrigerator (bring it back to room temperature before using and serve before drizzling).
Recipe FAQs
Heirloom tomatoes are non-hybrid, not bred for traits such as longer shelf life or uniform appearance. However, they generally have a better flavour and a unique appearance than regular tomatoes.
Look for ripe, flavourful heirloom tomatoes free of bruises or soft spots.
More salad recipes
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📋 Recipe
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 kg heirloom tomatoes, (about 3-4)
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 60 ml olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, fresh, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Thinly slice the tomatoes about ¼" thick. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half (if using). Alternatively, cut the tomatoes into wedges if you prefer.1 kg heirloom tomatoes
- Lay the tomatoes on a large platter and season with sea salt. (Allow them to rest for 15 minutes).2 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the salad dressing by whisking the olive oil, garlic and vinegar together.60 ml olive oil, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Sprinkle over the freshly chopped thyme leaves.1 teaspoon thyme
- Drizzle over the dressing and add the black pepper.1 teaspoon black pepper
- Allow the salad to rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients. I cannot stress this enough. This summer salad shines when the ingredients are fresh and at their peak.
- Don't store the tomatoes in the fridge, as this will change their texture and flavour. Instead, keep them at room temperature in your kitchen and store them in a bowl where they will continue to ripen.
- Don't be afraid to add salt. The salt provides flavour and helps to draw out the moisture of the tomatoes (that delicious tomato juice combined with the olive oil is a magical combination).
- Don't store leftovers in the fridge, as the tomatoes will become mushy, soggy and unappealing. Instead, make your dressing and keep it in the refrigerator (bring it back to room temperature before using and serve before drizzling).
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Souvlaki For the Soul
This recipe first appeared on the website in March 2010 but was updated with new pictures and information in May 2023.
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