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Juicy, sweet, and packed with flavor, this Heirloom Tomato Salad is everything we love about summer on a plate. It’s quick to throw together, makes a gorgeous side for any summer meal, and lets those beautiful tomatoes truly shine.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, bold flavor: Nothing fancy here! Just peak-season produce, fresh herbs, and a tangy yogurt dressing that pulls it all together.
- Perfect for summer gatherings. This is a go-to side dish for BBQs and sunny dinners on the patio. It pairs perfectly with whatever you’re grilling whether it’s Southern Style Pork Tenderloin or a classic Guacamole Cheeseburger.
- Kid-approved. My kids request this every time we spot heirlooms at the farmers’ market. There are never leftovers. It’s a great way to get little ones to try a new food!
- Best summer side: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or any dish that needs a light, refreshing side. Try it with mouthwatering burgers for Memorial Day, grilled marinated chicken for the 4th of July, or alongside Pesto Shrimp Skewers for Labor Day!
The Ingredients
- Heirloom tomatoes: Look for a colorful mix for the most stunning presentation.
- Cucumbers: Add that perfect refreshing crunch.
- Kalamata olives: A little salty bite to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Fresh herbs: Basil and mint are my go-to, but cilantro or parsley would also be delicious.
- Greek yogurt: For the light, creamy, and just tangy dressing that lets the tomatoes pop.
*For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.*
How to Make Heirloom Tomato Salad
This salad comes together in minutes, no cooking required!
- Toss the veggies: In a large salad bowl, combine the heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and herbs. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and gently toss.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
- Serve it up: Plate the salad and serve the dressing on the side or drizzle it right over the top just before serving.
Recipe Tip
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, you can make the dressing up to a day in advance.
Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes are not your average supermarket tomato. These beauties come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Think deep purples, bright yellows, stripes, and even greens. They’re grown for flavor, not shelf life, so enjoy them soon after you buy them! Here’s how to pick the best ones:
- Choose tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Keep them out of the fridge. They lose flavor when chilled.
- Eat them soon after buying. They ripen fast!
Some of my favorite heirloom varieties include:
- Cherokee Purple (rich and sweet)
- Brandywine (classic and juicy)
- Sun Gold or Black Cherry (sweet and snackable)
- Marvel Stripe (striped and mild)
- And more fun ones like Red Pear, Pink Cherry, and Black Prince
FAQs
Heirloom tomatoes are grown from old seed varieties that have been passed down for generations. Unlike regular grocery store tomatoes that are bred to look perfect and last longer, heirlooms are all about flavor. They come in all kinds of funky shapes, sizes, and gorgeous colors, and they taste way juicier and more vibrant.
You can prep the dressing and chop the vegetables a few hours ahead, but for the best texture and flavor, wait to combine everything until just before serving. Tomatoes release a lot of juice once cut!
More Tomato Recipes
Heirloom tomatoes don’t stick around forever, so make the most of tomato season while it’s here! This salad is the perfect way to celebrate their short but glorious moment.
What are you planning to make with heirloom tomatoes this season? Let me know in the comments!
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Heirloom Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced persian cucumbers
- 1/2 cup pitted, sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup mixed herbs, torn into pieces (I used purple and green basil, cilantro, and chives)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl toss to combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and herbs, and sprinkle with the 1 teaspoon salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mustard, lemon juice and remainder of salt to thoroughly combine.
- Serve the dressing alongside the tomato salad.
Notes
- Heirlooms are classic varieties that are prized today because of their intense flavors, vibrant colors, and unique shapes. They’re delicate, so they must be handpicked and packed.
- When shopping for heirloom tomatoes, be sure to choose ones that are heavy for their size and store them on the counter at home –- not in the refrigerator.
- Remember that heirlooms ripen quickly, so buy frequently and enjoy soon after purchase. Size and shape have no correlation with quality; large or small, they’re all delicious!
