Marinated tomatoes in a light dressing make a perfect Heirloom Tomato Salad. This fresh salad can be made with a variety of cherry tomatoes or with just one kind.
Use any type of tomato you have available - just add a light dressing and fresh basil and you've got a delicious salad.
Why make this salad
Garden fresh tomatoes are one of the finer things in life! You just can't beat the amazing flavor of a sun ripened tomato. Great tomatoes are often available from a local farmer's market.
During the peak of tomato season, we can also find these tomatoes at our local grocery store.
What is an Heirloom Tomato?
An heirloom tomato is grown from a tomato seed that has been passed down from generation to generation. I usually think of them as an old fashioned tomato. There are several varieties of heirloom tomatoes including heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Any type of really flavorful tomato would work in this salad. I liked this variety for the color and taste, but use what is available. If using a large tomato, cut into small, bite sized pieces.
Tomato Salad
These tomatoes are great all by themselves. I have a hard time resisting popping a few of these small tomatoes into my mouth. They are so delicious.
Because these are so great all by themselves, I've made just a simple vinaigrette that enhances the flavor of the tomatoes.
To make the salad
- Prepare the dressing
- Cut up the tomatoes and place in a bowl
- Pour dressing over the tomatoes
- Toss lightly and add fresh basil
This salad is best eaten right away. I like to serve it at room temperature. If you prefer, you can cover and refrigerate and serve chilled.
Variations
A few delicious variations and substitutions to this salad include:
- Use all red cherry tomatoes
- Use large tomatoes cut into small wedges
- Add small balls of fresh mozzarella
- Peel and chop a cucumber and add to salad
- Add thinly sliced sweet onions
Recipe Faqs
This tomato salad is best eaten the same day it is made. If there are leftovers, eat within one day.
Check your local farmers market or a specialty grocery store that carries local produce.
More tasty salads
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Couscous Salad
- Thai Pasta Salad
- Panzanella Salad
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious salad recipes!
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Cups heirloom cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground dried mustard
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3-4 leaves fresh basil (sliced thinly)
Instructions
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl.
- Place olive oil, vinegar, dried mustard, thyme, salt and pepper into a jar with a lid. Close lid and shake until well combined.
- Pour dressing over tomatoes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over tomatoes.
Notes
Variations
A few delicious variations and substitutions to this salad include:- Use all red cherry tomatoes
- Use large tomatoes cut into small wedges
- Add small balls of fresh mozzarella
- Peel and chop a cucumber and add to salad
- Add thinly sliced sweet onions
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in April 2016. The pictures and post have been updated.
Amanda says
What a delicious way to welcome in the warmer weather. I always make sure to have plenty of tomatoes in the garden and I can't think of a better way to use them. This tomato salad is what I love to live on during the summer.
Kathy says
I totally agree!
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
Kathy, this salad looks so beautiful. I love tomato salads in the Summer and can't wait to see how you use your bounty on your blog this year!
Kathy says
I'm sure I will have lots of recipes to share. Hopefully my garden will be generous with its produce!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh I'm so jealous you have fresh tomatoes!! I can only imagine how amazing those taste! Heirlooms especially are my favorite, so this simply delicious salad is screaming my name! Fresh and fabulous flavors going on here, Kathy! Cheers!
Kathy says
Yep....I heard it say, "Cheyanne, this is for you!" 🙂
David @ Spiced says
Am I mistaken, or have you done a little site update yourself, Kathy? It looks great! (Or maybe I'm just paying super close attention to layouts now that I'm messing with mine...but either way, I like it!)
We used to grow heirloom tomatoes in our garden, and they were a fun addition. The problem is we never knew when to pick the different varieties since we weren't sure when they were ripe! Maybe we'll plant some more heirlooms this summer...it's almost planting time here!
Kathy says
I made a few updates, nothing major like yours. Thanks for noticing!
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
Beautiful salad and so healthy! I can't wait to plant my tomatoes, unfortunately we just had a hard frost so I have to wait until June 1st if I want to play it safe. Will be keeping this in mind!
Kathy says
Spring weather can be so fickle. Warmer days are coming.
Natanja says
What a gorgeous salad! I think we are all craving heirloom tomatoes after seeing your creation.
Homegrown tomatoes always taste sooo much better than anything store-bought. My husband and I unfortunatly don't have a house yet so I can't grow anything yet. But my dad who does have a large garden is going to grow extra many tomato plants for me. I'm so excited!!
Kathy says
So lucky that your dad is able to grow extra tomatoes for you!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Girl, you seriously have me craving tomatoes and summer! I just planted 9 different varieties of tomatoes in my garden and can't wait for them to start making magic! When they do, I'm totally making this salad! Pinned!
Kathy says
Nine varieties of tomatoes! Wow! You've got me beat. I plant a lot of tomatoes but not that many varieties.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
You're so lucky you have your own tomato plants Kathy! I would love to have an abundance of tomatoes during the summer months because I use them so often in my recipes! This is a favorite recipe of mine, but I love the spices you've included! I'm curious to try it with dried mustard. Thanks for sharing!
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
I'm so jealous that you have your very own tomato plants. I live in the city where you are lucky to even find a patch of grass. . .but I do remember the small garden that my mother had when I was growing up and tomatoes were always a key part. This salad is beautiful. . .and I am with you. . .the more varied the tomatoes are the more stunning the salad.
Kathy says
I wish I could grow them year round....maybe one day!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Good morning Kathy, I'm impatient for our tomatoes too! This salad looks extra fresh, love the fresh basil and was surprised by the dried mustard! That must give a delicious little zing. Great side!
Kathy says
The mustard does add just a bit of zing. You'd never even know it's in there.