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Home » Salad

Published: Jun 29, 2020 · Modified: Jan 20, 2025 by Kathy

Heirloom Tomato Salad

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Quartered cherry tomatoes in a white bowl.

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. 

A white bowl filled with colored tomatoes.

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. 

Small cherry tomatoes cut in half and topped with a light dressing.

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. 

A bowl filled with green, yellow, red and orange cherry tomatoes.

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. 

Salad dressing in a glass canning jar with a white lid.

To make the salad

  • Prepare the dressing
  • Cut up the tomatoes and place in a bowl
Small colored cherry tomatoes cut in half on a wooden cutting board.
  • Pour dressing over the tomatoes
Vinaigrette being poured over cut 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
Fresh basil in front of a bowl of cherry tomatoes.

Recipe Faqs

How long will this salad last?

This tomato salad is best eaten the same day it is made. If there are leftovers, eat within one day.

If I don't have a garden, where is the best place to get great tomatoes?

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
  • Broccoli Salad
Tomato salad next to a sandwich.

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!

  • A bowl filled with Orecchiette Pasta Salad.
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  • Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in a white bowl.
    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  • A small green bowl filled with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing surrounded by fresh veggies.
    Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
  • Easy broccoli salad with bacon bits in a white bowl.
    Easy Broccoli Salad
A white bowl filled with colored tomatoes.

Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

Kathy Berget
Tomato salad made with heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil and topped with a light vinaigrette dressing.
5 from 20 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 78 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

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

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 154mgPotassium: 162mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 384IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

This recipe was originally posted in April 2016. The pictures and post have been updated.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashley says

    May 06, 2016 at 10:26 am

    I really wish we had more room to grow tomatoes!! Someday, someday! This salad looks so fresh and wonderful!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 07, 2016 at 6:29 am

      I love growing my own. The next best thing is visiting your farmer's market and getting some great tomatoes from a local farmer!

      Reply
  2. Smitha says

    May 04, 2016 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    Salad is so refreshing and yummy. Fresh from own farm is very healthy

    Reply
  3. ami@naivecookcooks says

    May 03, 2016 at 11:49 am

    I love tomato salad especially with fresh summer tomatoes!! Looks so refreshing!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:27 am

      I agree...light and refreshing!

      Reply
  4. Balvinder says

    May 03, 2016 at 8:03 am

    This is gorgeous!!! It's cloudy today and might rain, I could use this salad in my kitchen to put a smile on my face!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:28 am

      Nothing like some bright, cheery food to bring out a smile!

      Reply
  5. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    May 03, 2016 at 7:26 am

    In the summer, all I eat is tomato salads. They are so refreshing!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:28 am

      And so good for you!

      Reply
  6. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    May 03, 2016 at 6:40 am

    I've never grown tomatoes, but would love to! And I just adore heirloom tomatoes....all the pretty colours! I actually just picked some up yesterday so this recipe is great timing for me 🙂 Looks so delicious and fresh 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:29 am

      This was a great selection of varieties. They worked perfectly together in this salad.

      Reply
  7. Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    May 03, 2016 at 3:46 am

    This heirloom tomato salad looks so gorgeous and delicious, Kathy. Indeed enjoying them raw & fresh is best. A perfect way to welcome warm weather.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:30 am

      During the summer I love to eat them straight off the vine.

      Reply
  8. Miriam @londonkitchendiaries.com says

    May 03, 2016 at 12:28 am

    Fresh tomatoes from the garden taste so delicious. It would be so great to be able to have them all year round. Your heirloom tomato salad looks great. Love the picture ♡

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:32 am

      Thanks! It is very delicious!

      Reply
  9. Rahul @samosastreet.com says

    May 02, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    Oh lovely heirlooms! Wish I had room to grow them. So many wonderful varieties to enjoy. You’re right – enjoying them raw & fresh is the way to go!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:33 am

      Luckily heirlooms are becoming more and more available for those who can't grow them themselves.

      Reply
  10. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    May 02, 2016 at 10:54 am

    What a delicious fresh salad to get me excited for Summer! I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy our tomatoes so thanks in advance for this!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:33 am

      Summer is just around the corner!

      Reply
  11. Amanda says

    May 02, 2016 at 7:53 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:33 am

      I totally agree!

      Reply
  12. Kim | Low Carb Maven says

    May 02, 2016 at 7:42 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:34 am

      I'm sure I will have lots of recipes to share. Hopefully my garden will be generous with its produce!

      Reply
  13. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    May 02, 2016 at 6:10 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:35 am

      Yep....I heard it say, "Cheyanne, this is for you!" 🙂

      Reply
  14. David @ Spiced says

    May 02, 2016 at 5:20 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:36 am

      I made a few updates, nothing major like yours. Thanks for noticing!

      Reply
  15. Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says

    May 02, 2016 at 5:03 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 04, 2016 at 4:36 am

      Spring weather can be so fickle. Warmer days are coming.

      Reply
  16. Natanja says

    May 02, 2016 at 12:41 am

    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!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 02, 2016 at 4:44 am

      So lucky that your dad is able to grow extra tomatoes for you!

      Reply
  17. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    May 01, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 02, 2016 at 4:46 am

      Nine varieties of tomatoes! Wow! You've got me beat. I plant a lot of tomatoes but not that many varieties.

      Reply
  18. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    May 01, 2016 at 6:07 am

    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!

    Reply
  19. Lynn | The Road to Honey says

    April 30, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 01, 2016 at 4:32 am

      I wish I could grow them year round....maybe one day!

      Reply
  20. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says

    April 30, 2016 at 6:40 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 01, 2016 at 4:32 am

      The mustard does add just a bit of zing. You'd never even know it's in there.

      Reply
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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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