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