This Heirloom Tomato Salad is possibly the easiest salad you will ever make. It's also so beautiful to look at and is one of those dishes where less is more!
I was invited to my friends house for dinner and asked to bring a starter. She was making gnocchi so I stuck with the Italian theme when choosing what to bring. I got SO excited when I remembered heirloom tomato's are in season at the moment in Australia.
I know salad isn't really a starter so I did also take a whipped ricotta and caramelised fennel dish. However, this was eaten up in minutes at the start of the night and got many compliments. Very proud of this one!
It would go so well as a side salad for my Brothy Butter Beans recipe.
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Where to find Heirloom Tomatoes
If you're lucky you might find heirloom tomatoes at your big chain supermarkets, I personally have never found any there myself! Farmers markets are where you'll typically find these gorgeous tomatoes. If you're based in Melbourne like me, you can find them at multiple stores at the South Melbourne Market, or if you want them on a day the market isn't open, The Fruiterers Wife in Port Melbourne (2 minutes from the market) also sells them too!
Keep in mind these are typically only in season mid summer to early autumn so when you see them BUY them!
Benefits of Heirloom Tomatoes:
- Exceptional Flavor: Heirloom tomatoes offer a rich, complex taste that elevates the salad's flavor profile, making it more enjoyable for your taste buds.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, heirloom tomatoes contribute to overall health and well-being, enhancing the nutritional value of the salad.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant hues of heirloom tomatoes add visual appeal to the salad, making it more enticing and appetizing.
Reasons to make this Heirloom Tomato Salad:
- Fresh and Light: This salad is refreshing and perfect for warm weather, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner option.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this salad comes together in minutes, making it convenient for busy days.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it adaptable for various occasions and preferences.
Ingredients
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Provide exceptional flavour and vibrant colors.
- Red Onion: Adds a tangy kick and complements the sweetness of tomatoes.
- Italian Herb Mix: Enhances flavour with its blend of herbs.
- Fresh Basil: Adds freshness and aroma to the salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and adds richness to the dressing.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Offers a sweet and tangy flavour, balancing the salad's taste.
- Sea Salt Flakes: Enhances flavors and adds texture to the salad.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Heirloom Tomato Salad
Thinly slice the tomatoes
Thinly slice the onion
Layer the tomato and onion on a platter then top with herbs, basil and salt
When ready to serve mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together and drizzle on top
Hint: When the salt is added to the tomatoes, it will draw out a lot of the water from them. This will pool at the bottom of the dish, but don't stress, it's tomato flavoured water that once mixed with the dressing becomes a flavour bath for the salad.
Variations
- Caprese Style: Add fresh mozzarella slices between tomato layers and drizzle with a balsamic glaze.
- Mediterranean Twist: Include Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, and toss with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Grilled Vegetable Salad: Grill the tomatoes and onions before assembling the salad for a smoky flavor. Or grill some eggplant and/or thinly sliced pumpkin and add that too.
Storage
Without the dressing and salt, the sliced tomatoes and onion can sit for a day or two in the fridge on their own however once dressed this salad should be eaten within the hour
FAQ
While heirloom tomatoes are preferred for their exceptional flavor and vibrant colors, you can certainly use regular tomatoes if heirlooms are not available. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile and visual appeal may differ slightly.
Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time, such as slicing the tomatoes and onions, but it's best to wait until just before serving to assemble the salad and dress it with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This helps prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of mixed greens for added texture and flavour.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 6 heirloom tomato’s thinly sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
- Fresh basil
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Arrange half tomatoes on a large serving platter, then spread over half of the red onion then add a second layer with the rest of the tomatoes and then the rest of the onion
- Sprinkle with the herbs, salt and basil When ready to serve, mix together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour evenly over the salad and enjoy!
Nutrition
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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