Oh, you know those days where you just crave something *fresh*? Something that tastes like sunshine? That’s exactly what this Heirloom Tomato Salad is for me. Growing up, my Nana had this little garden patch, and come summer, it was bursting with the most amazing tomatoes. Every year, I eagerly waited for those jewel-toned beauties because it meant this salad was happening. It’s so ridiculously simple, but trust me, it tastes like pure magic. This Heirloom Tomato Salad is the absolute star of any summer table, and the way all those different colors and flavors just pop? It’s a feast for the eyes and the tummy!

Why You’ll Love This Heirloom Tomato Salad

This Heirloom Tomato Salad is a winner for so many reasons! Honestly, it’s my go-to because it’s just so darn quick to make. You literally chop a few things, whisk a simple dressing, and boom – you’re done! Plus, nothing beats the taste of summer when you’re working with super fresh, seasonal ingredients like gorgeous heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil. It looks stunning on any plate, too. And let’s not forget how healthy it is – all those good vitamins! Plus, it’s super easy to tweak to your liking.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Heirloom Tomato Salad

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this incredible salad sing! The star, of course, has to be the **heirloom tomatoes**. You want about 2 pounds of them, and don’t be shy about getting a mix of colors and sizes – they’re so pretty! Just cut them into nice, bite-sized wedges. Then, we’ve got **fresh basil leaves**, and you’ll want a good bunch, maybe around half a cup once you’ve torn them. The dressing is super simple: a quarter cup of good **extra virgin olive oil**, two tablespoons of tangy **red wine vinegar**, and just one little clove of **garlic**, minced super fine. Oh, and of course, a pinch of **salt** and some freshly ground **black pepper** to make everything come alive!

How to Prepare This Simple Heirloom Tomato Salad

Okay, making this salad is almost too easy, but that’s part of its charm, right? You’ll have this gorgeous dish ready to go in minutes. Just follow these super simple steps and get ready for a burst of fresh flavor!

Step 1: Combine the Tomatoes and Basil

First things first, grab a nice big bowl. We don’t want to cramp these beautiful tomatoes! Gently put your chopped heirloom tomatoes and the torn basil leaves right into the bowl. That’s it for this step – see? Easy peasy. Just let them hang out together for a sec.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette

Now, for the dressing! Grab a smaller bowl or even a little jar. Pour in your good quality extra virgin olive oil and the red wine vinegar. Then, add your super finely minced garlic. Whisk it all up really well until it looks nicely combined and a little frothy. That’s your simple, zesty vinaigrette ready to go!

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Heirloom Tomato Salad

Time to bring it all together! Pour that lovely vinaigrette right over the tomatoes and basil in the big bowl. Now, here’s the important part: toss it *gently*. You really want to coat everything without mashing up those delicate tomatoes. Just use your hands or a couple of big spoons to lightly mix them until everything is coated in that delicious dressing.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Almost there! Give your Heirloom Tomato Salad a good sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste a tomato wedge – does it need more salt? A bit more pepper? You are the boss here! Once it tastes just right to you, serve this beauty up immediately. It’s meant to be enjoyed super fresh!

Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but let me tell you a few little secrets that make this Heirloom Tomato Salad go from “good” to “OMG, I need more!” First off, the tomatoes themselves. You really want to use the best you can find – the more colorful and varied, the better! And please, please, please make sure they’re at room temperature. Cold tomatoes just don’t have the same oomph, you know? Letting them warm up really lets all those amazing, sweet flavors shine through. A little tip from my kitchen: if you’re feeling fancy, add some fresh mozzarella balls or even some super thinly sliced red onion. And for a little extra zing, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze is divine! It just ties everything together.

Serving and Storing Your Heirloom Tomato Salad

This Heirloom Tomato Salad is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be served alongside practically anything! It’s absolutely fantastic with grilled chicken, fish, or even some juicy burgers. Or, you know, just have it by itself for a light and super satisfying lunch. Honestly, it’s delicious any way you slice it! Now, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be warned, the tomatoes will get a bit softer the next day, so it’s always best enjoyed super fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions about Heirloom Tomato Salad

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This Heirloom Tomato Salad is pretty straightforward, but I always get a few common queries, so let’s dive in!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Honestly, for the absolute best flavor and texture, it’s really ideal to make this salad right before you plan to eat it. The tomatoes release their juices, and the basil can wilt a bit if it sits too long in the dressing. If you *must* prep ahead, chop your tomatoes and mix your dressing separately, then combine and toss just before serving.

What are the best types of heirloom tomatoes to use?

Oh, this is the fun part! Any heirloom tomato will work beautifully, seriously. I adore using a mix of colors like Brandywine (pink), Cherokee Purple (deep purple), Green Zebra (striped green), and Sun Gold (tiny, super sweet orange ones). The more variety in color and flavor, the more stunning and delicious your salad will be!

Can I substitute the vinegar?

Absolutely! Red wine vinegar gives it a nice tang, but feel free to swap it out. A good quality white wine vinegar or even a champagne vinegar works wonderfully. If you want something a little sweeter, a light apple cider vinegar can be nice too. Just use about the same amount.

How do I prevent the tomatoes from getting mushy?

The key here is gentle handling! Don’t over-toss the salad. Also, make sure your tomatoes are firm and not overripe to start with. Cutting them into wedges rather than dicing helps them hold their shape better, and serving the salad immediately after dressing also keeps them from getting too sad and soggy.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a little heads-up, all those juicy tomatoes and lovely olive oil give us some pretty good nutrients! This is just an estimate, of course, because every tomato is a little different, but a serving of this Heirloom Tomato Salad usually comes in around 150 calories. You’ll get some healthy fats from the olive oil, a bit of carbs from the tomatoes, and a nice little boost of vitamins. Perfect for a light and guilt-free side!

Share Your Culinary Creations!

Have you made this incredible Heirloom Tomato Salad? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Tell me what you thought in the comments below. Did you add anything special? Did you serve it with something amazing? And if you snapped a picture – please, please share it! Tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creation. Your feedback and photos really make my day and inspire other home cooks!

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and fresh salad featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, basil, and a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds assorted heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the heirloom tomato wedges and torn basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
Pour the vinaigrette over the tomatoes and basil.
Gently toss to coat.
Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use tomatoes that are at room temperature.
You can add thinly sliced red onion or mozzarella balls for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: heirloom tomato salad, fresh tomato salad, basil tomato salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe