Fresh heirloom tomato salad with basil & olive oil is the epitome of summer simplicity.
Bursting with vibrant colors and bold, fresh flavors, this dish highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of heirloom tomatoes, balanced beautifully with aromatic fresh basil and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Perfect as a light appetizer, a side for grilled meats, or served atop toasted sourdough for a rustic bruschetta. It is a salad that celebrates peak-season produce most deliciously.
Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork for dressing, optional
- Serving platter or bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) heirloom tomatoes sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup (5g) fresh basil leaves torn or thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15ml) red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar optional
- 1/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the heirloom tomatoes thoroughly. Slice into wedges, rounds, or chunks depending on your preference. Place in a large mixing bowl.Add Basil: Tear or chiffonade the basil leaves and add them to the tomatoes.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and basil. If desired, add vinegar for extra acidity.Season: Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss the salad using your hands or a spoon to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Serving Size | ~200g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Potassium | 420mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 24mg |
| Calcium | 25mg |
| Iron | 0.5mg |
Cooking Tips
- Tomato Tips: Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Room Temperature Rule: Let tomatoes sit at room temperature before slicing, this improves their texture and flavor.
- Upgrade the Oil: Use the best-quality olive oil you have, preferably cold-pressed and extra virgin.
- Add-Ons: Crumbled feta, burrata, or fresh mozzarella can turn this into a heartier dish.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Serve immediately after preparing—refrigeration can dull the flavor and make the tomatoes mealy.
The Best Foods to Serve this Salad with
The fresh heirloom tomato salad with basil & olive oil is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes to suit different occasions, from casual cookouts to elegant dinners.
Its bright acidity, juicy sweetness, and herbal notes make it especially well-suited to dishes that are rich, savory, or grilled, like beef pares, for example, as it balances and enhances their flavors.
- Grilled meats: Such as rosemary-marinated chicken, balsamic-glazed pork chops, or steak with garlic butter
- Seafood: Lemon-garlic shrimp, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted white fish like cod or halibut
- Mediterranean classics: Lamb kebabs, falafel, or grilled halloumi with a squeeze of lemon
- Simple pasta dishes: Especially those with olive oil or pesto bases, like spaghetti aglio e olio or penne with fresh basil pesto
If you’re planning a vegetarian or lighter meal, the salad shines as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread or plant-based board. Its flavors elevate the overall experience, whether it’s a shared appetizer course or a full meal built around fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Cheese and bread: Burrata, fresh mozzarella, or feta served with crusty sourdough, ciabatta, or grilled flatbread
- Dips and spreads: Hummus, baba ghanoush, or whipped ricotta with olive oil and lemon zest
- Grain bases: Quinoa, farro, or couscous tossed with lemon and herbs for a hearty salad bowl
- Toasts and bruschetta: Spoon the salad over toasted baguette slices for a rustic appetizer or light lunch
The Bottom Line
Heirloom tomato salad brings effortless elegance and vibrant freshness to any meal.
Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and quality olive oil come together in a way that highlights the beauty of simple ingredients prepared with care.
Pairings with grilled meats, fresh cheeses, or rustic breads enhance both the flavor and texture of the salad, turning it into a flexible companion for everything from weeknight dinners to summer gatherings.
Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a seasonal staple worth returning to again and again.