Heirloom Tomato Salad
A celebration of summer's best produce. Juicy, vibrant heirloom tomatoes are sliced and paired with fresh basil, then drizzled with a simple, bright lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. A touch of balsamic adds depth to this incredibly fresh and light salad.
For 1 serving
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the tomatoes and basil
- b.Gently wash and dry the heirloom tomatoes.
- c.Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges, depending on their shape.
- d.Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a serving plate or in a shallow bowl.
- e.Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and scatter them over the tomatoes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar.
- c.Add the freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and serve
- b.Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the arranged tomatoes and basil.
- c.Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Serve immediately to enjoy at its freshest.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes (different colors and shapes) for a visually stunning salad.
- 2For the best flavor, make sure your tomatoes are at room temperature, not cold from the fridge.
- 3Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping them to prevent bruising and browning.
- 4If you have a high-quality balsamic glaze, you can use a small drizzle of it at the end for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To reduce fat, decrease the olive oil to 1 teaspoon and add an extra splash of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
quickQuick
Skip whisking the dressing separately. Drizzle the olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar directly over the tomatoes and toss gently.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/4 cup of chickpeas or a few small balls of fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) to the salad. Note this will increase calories and sodium.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Heirloom tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Tomatoes and lemon juice provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health.
Contains Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil, and contains healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. This version is also very low in sodium.