• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
In Krista's Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mother's Day
  • Dinner
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mother's Day
    • Dinner
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 · Modified: Jan 28, 2024 by Krista Stechman · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    sliced and whole red, green and yellow tomatoes and sliced mozzarella on a plate. All of the salad components mixed together in a bowl in the bottom photo with a serving spoon in the bowl.
    heirloom tomato salad with basil, fresh mozzarella, dressing and honey in a bowl with a serving spoon.

    Heirloom Tomato Salad is one of the best summer salads! Juicy ripe tomatoes covered in fresh garlic oil, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, sherry vinegar and drizzled with hot honey!

    Yes please! I will eat this all summer long. Not only is this salad super fresh and super flavorful, it comes together in just 20 minutes.

    Heirloom Tomato Salad with garlic, basil, fresh mozzarella and salt in a bowl with a serving spoon.

    It's a quick summer salad to make then all you have to do is let it marinate for about 30 minutes. If you're impatient you can eat it right away but it tastes even better after the flavors meld.

    I love growing tomatoes in my garden in the summer. They're one of the few things I can actually keep alive long enough to harvest! Another great use for garden tomatoes is Tomato Confit With Garlic.

    Heirloom Tomato Salad is great for backyard BBQ's, summer parties, weeknight dinners and get togethers.

    It's only got a few fresh and simple ingredients that are easily found in the garden or at the grocery store and comes together in a flash.

    If you love garden tomato recipes then you'll love Easy No Mayo Tomato Pie & Heirloom Tomato Galette!

    Jump to:
    • What is an Heirloom Tomato?
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Equipment needed
    • Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad
    • What to serve with Heirloom Tomato Salad
    • Optional add-ins
    • How to store the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad
    • How to make the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad
    • Please leave me a rating and/or review!
    • FAQ
    • Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    What is an Heirloom Tomato?

    You've probably heard of heirloom tomatoes, maybe even seen them but do you know what they are? An heirloom tomato usually has an odd shape, not perfectly round and some pretty interesting colors.

    They can be red, green, yellow, a deep dark green almost black looking color. Or any mix of those together.

    The reason they look like that is because they are a natural, non-modified tomato that's seeds have been passed down for decades. Over 40 years.

    Farmers keep the seeds from the best plants they grew the tastiest, best textured tomatoes. Then replanted them again and again.

    The tomatoes you see in the grocery store are often uniform in shape and color. Likely because they have been genetically modified to look a certain way.

    That doesn't necessarily mean they taste good.

    I love the shape, size and texture of heirloom tomatoes! So interesting looking.

    You have to be careful when buying heirloom tomatoes from the store though because "heirloom" is an unregulated word. Meaning brands can throw that in the title of their genetically modified tomatoes as a selling point and no one is checking.

    The best spot to buy heirloom tomatoes is the farmers market. They tend to be from smaller local farms and your free to ask the farmers any questions about them you'd like.

    an heirloom tomato

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Heirloom Tomatoes - Buy them from the farmers market if you can.
    • Fresh Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella has a mild taste and soft texture.
    • Fresh Basil - Fresh basil is such a tasty summer ingredient and goes so well with tomatoes.
    • Garlic - Fresh garlic is a must with this salad.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Use your favorite extra virgin olive oil in this Heirloom Tomato Salad.
    • Kosher Salt - Salt helps bring out the flavor of the ingredients and is amazing with the tomatoes.
    • Black Pepper - I prefer coarse ground black pepper.
    • Crushed Red Pepper - For a little extra spice!
    • Sherry Vinegar - I use an aged sherry vinegar that I can find at my local grocery store.
    • Hot Honey - Don't skip the hot honey! It really makes this the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad!
    ingredients needed for this salad

    Equipment needed

    • Sauté Pan - You'll need a medium sized sauté pan to make the garlic oil.
    • Sharp Knife - Use a sharp knife to slice ingredients.
    • Cutting Board - A plastic cutting board or a wooden cutting board is best. Larger sized cutting boards make working in the kitchen a lot easier. You have plenty of space and don't have to worry about your ingredients falling off the board.
    • Large Bowl - Toss the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad in a large mixing bowl or on a large platter.
    best heirloom tomato salad in a bowl with a few drinks near a window

    Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    • Use the freshest tomatoes you can find. Get them from your garden or the farmers market if possible!
    • This Heirloom Tomato Salad is best if you let it marinate for about 30 minutes before serving.
    • Don't skip the hot honey!
    • Don't skip the salt (unless you have to), it adds so much flavor!
    • Bring this Heirloom Tomato Salad recipe to your cookouts, parties and BBQ's all summer long.
    • If you cant find heirloom tomatoes then use vine ripened or whatever the freshest tomato you can find is.
    • Try to only make as much as you need. This salad only stays good for about 24 hours before it starts to get soggy.
    • Fresh basil is a must for this salad. Dried basil isn't the same.
    • Slice your garlic as thin as you can get it. You'll need a very sharp knife for this.
    • Do not turn the heat up over low-medium heat. You don't want the garlic to burn and extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point. I typically don't heat extra virgin olive oil at all or very little.
    the best heirloom tomato salad in a serving dish with drinks, honey and forks surrounding it

    What to serve with Heirloom Tomato Salad

    • A rigatoni recipe
    • Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
    • Mac and Cheese with Herbed Bread Crumbs
    • Bone In Ribeye
    • Marinated Flank Steak Sandwich

    Optional add-ins

    • Red Onion
    • Fresh Parsley
    • Fresh Tarragon
    • Dried Oregano
    • Feta
    • Goat Cheese
    • Balsamic Glaze

    How to store the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Heirloom Tomato Salad is best eaten the same day you make it. If you have leftovers then you can store them in the fridge for about 24 hours.

    Anything after that the salad starts to become soggy.

    Wrap the Heirloom Tomato Salad tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

    honey being drizzled on the best heirloom tomato salad

    How to make the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    This easy salad comes together so quickly! That's why it's perfect for weeknight dinners.

    Heat a medium skillet over low-medium heat with the extra virgin olive oil and sliced garlic. Stir occasionally for 5-10 minutes.

    Garlic will become fragrant and start to turn just slightly golden brown. Remove from the heat immediately. Stir in a pinch of salt then let the oil cool.

    garlic oil in a small dish

    Mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, pepper, sherry vinegar and cooled garlic oil together in a large bowl. Be very gentle when mixing so you don't tear the tomatoes apart.

    close up of the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and dressing in a bowl with a spoon

    Transfer the tomato mix to a serving bowl or platter then sprinkle with crushed red pepper and drizzle with hot honey.

    Let the flavors marinate for 30 minutes before serving.

    easy heirloom tomato salad in a bowl with a serving spoon

    Please leave me a rating and/or review!

    If you make the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad would you be so kind as to leave me a star rating and/or review at the bottom of this blog post. Doing so is very helpful to me and any other blogger.

    Gain instant access to recipes! Have all the new recipes sent straight to your inbox as soon as they're published.

    Don't forget to tag me in any photos you post on social media. I love seeing my recipes being made in YOUR kitchen!

    Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok!

    the best heirloom tomato salad

    FAQ

    What is an Heirloom Tomato Salad?

    An Heirloom Tomato Salad is a salad that consists of heirloom tomatoes and often herbs, seasonings, olive oil, vinegar and other various ingredients.

    It is a cold salad that is served generally in the summer months when heirloom tomatoes are in season.

    What is so special about heirloom tomatoes?

    Heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds that have been passed down over decades, typically over 40 years from the same plant. These plants have not been genetically modified.

    Instead, the farmer has continued using these specific seeds because of the natural wonderful traits of that specific plant.

    Heirloom tomatoes are often irregular shapes with large ridges and beautiful colors ranging from red to yellow to green to a deep green almost black color.

    How do heirloom tomatoes taste?

    The taste of an heirloom tomato can widely range depending on where it comes from. Generally speaking if an heirloom tomato is an actual heirloom tomato, meaning it's not just being marketed as one, it will have a deep tomato flavor that is sweet and juicy.

    Similar to a super ripe tomato picked fresh out of your garden that's bursting with tomato flavor. Unfortunately some companies market their tomatoes as "heirloom" when they're not.

    The best way to avoid buying one of those is to try to get your heirloom tomatoes at a farmers market.

    How long does it take to make the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad?

    It only takes about 20 minutes to make the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad. It's best the let the Heirloom Tomato Salad marinate for about 30 minutes after being made so the flavors can meld.

    As far as actual work, the salad is ready to go in under 20 minutes. This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners as well as summer BBQ's and parties.

    easy heirloom tomato salad in a bowl with a serving spoon

    Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Krista Stechman
    Juicy ripe heirloom tomatoes combined with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and marinated in garlic oil, aged sherry vinegar and hot honey. This is the ultimate summer salad! Great for weeknight dinners, summer picnics, BBQ's and parties.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course sides
    Cuisine american, italian
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 333 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 medium skillet
    • 1 sharp knife
    • 1 cutting board
    • 1 large bowl

    Ingredients
      

    Garlic Oil

    • 7 cloves garlic sliced ultra thin
    • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 pinch kosher salt

    Heirloom Tomato Salad

    • 4 heirloom tomatoes sliced
    • 16 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
    • ¾ oz fresh basil about 1 cup, stemmed
    • 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 3 tablespoon aged sherry vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon hot honey
    • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

    Instructions
     

    Making the Garlic Oil

    • Heat the olive oil and sliced garlic in a medium skillet over low-medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until garlic just starts to turn golden brown
    • Remove from the heat and set to the side to cool

    Making the Heirloom Tomato Salad

    • Gently toss the heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, pepper, cooled garlic oil and sherry vinegar in a bowl to coat. Be very gentle so that you don't break the tomatoes
    • Transfer tomato mixture to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and drizzle with hot honey
    • Let tomato salad marinate for about 30 minutes before serving

    Notes

    • Use the freshest tomatoes you can find. Get them from your garden or the farmers market if possible!
    • This Heirloom Tomato Salad is best if you let it marinate for about 30 minutes before serving.
    • Don't skip the hot honey!
    • Don't skip the salt (unless you have to), it adds so much flavor!
    • Bring this Heirloom Tomato Salad recipe to your cookouts, parties and BBQ's all summer long.
    • If you cant find heirloom tomatoes then use vine ripened or whatever the freshest tomato you can find is.
    • Try to only make as much as you need. This salad only stays good for about 24 hours before it starts to get soggy.
    • Fresh basil is a must for this salad. Dried basil isn't the same.
    • Slice your garlic as thin as you can get it. You'll need a very sharp knife for this.
    • Do not turn the heat up over low-medium heat. You don't want the garlic to burn and extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point. I typically don't heat extra virgin olive oil at all or very little.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1069mgPotassium: 287mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1407IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 405mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Delicious Appetizer Recipes

    • Alexia® Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon topped with capers, chive, tomatoes and dill.
      Alexia® Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
    • Ultra smooth and creamy hummus in a bowl drizzled with olive oil, dusted with paprika and topped with chickpeas for garnish surrounded by warmed pita triangles.
      Easy Hummus and Pita
    • Harissa Hummus in a bowl surrounded by pita pieces.
      Harissa Hummus
    • Old fashioned pimento cheese in a bowl with crackers on the side.
      Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a star rating and review, ask a question or share a helpful tip! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    sliced and whole red, green and yellow tomatoes and sliced mozzarella on a plate. All of the salad components mixed together in a bowl in the bottom photo with a serving spoon in the bowl.
    heirloom tomato salad with basil, fresh mozzarella, dressing and honey in a bowl with a serving spoon.
    krista standing in a white kitchen with a white shirt on holding a white pan of blondies facing the camera smiling

    Welcome to In Krista's Kitchen where you'll find delicious dinners and desserts with restaurant flavor that you can make in the comfort of your home. You can find dinners, desserts, sides, brunch recipes and breakfast recipes for any occasion. I'm here to help you create meals and desserts packed with flavor! These recipes range from easy to slightly more experienced home cooks. I'll give tips and tricks and am always available through email to answer any cooking questions you have!

    More about me →

    Mother's Day Recipes

    • Banana Bread with Streusel Topping topped with maple glaze.
      Banana Bread with Streusel Topping
    • Banana Coffee Cake with maple glaze being drizzle over the top.
      Banana Coffee Cake
    • A slice of Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate Ganache and flaky sea salt on a stack of plates.
      No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
    • Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a bowl topped with basil.
      One Pan Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
    • A slice of No Bake Chocolate Pie on a plate with a fork.
      No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Marry Me Chicken Orzo in a pot with a wooden spoon.
      Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo
    See more Mother's Day →

    Dinners

    • A pork burger on a brioche bun with special sauce, onion, pickle and lettuce.
      The Ultimate Pork Burger Recipe
    • Loaded Steak Nachos recipe topped with sour cream, salsa, guacamole and jalapenos.
      Loaded Steak Nachos Recipe
    • Falafel on a pita with schug sauce, tomatoes, feta and cucumber.
      Falafel Pita
    • Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a bowl on a small cheese board.
      Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme with cheese sauce, ground beef, tomato and lettuce.
      Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Copycat)
    • Creamy Lobster Pasta recipe in a large bowl.
      Creamy Lobster Pasta
    See more Dinner →

    Desserts

    • A slice of carrot cake with a ton of cream cheese frosting.
      Almond Carrot Cake
    • Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread half sliced on a platter.
      Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
    • Soft Molasses Cookies with chewy crackly tops.
      Soft Molasses Cookies
    • Molasses crinkle cookies on a wire rack.
      Molasses Crinkle Cookies
    • Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies with raspberry jelly in the center.
      Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
    • Christmas Crack with Pretzels topped with flaky sea salt.
      Christmas Crack With Pretzels
    See more Desserts →

    Sides

    • Arugula Pear Salad in a bowl topped with nuts and sherry dressing.
      Arugula Pear Salad
    • A slice of Blueberry Cornbread on a plate topped with honey butter and honey drizzling over the top.
      Blueberry Cornbread With Honey Butter
    • Sourdough stuffing with herbs in a baking dish.
      Sourdough Stuffing
    • Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with parmesan cheese on a plate with a fork.
      Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
    • Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole in a skillet with a spoon.
      Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
    • Garlic Chili Oil on a plate with a spoon.
      Garlic Chili Oil

    Footer

    sliced and whole red, green and yellow tomatoes and sliced mozzarella on a plate. All of the salad components mixed together in a bowl in the bottom photo with a serving spoon in the bowl.
    heirloom tomato salad with basil, fresh mozzarella, dressing and honey in a bowl with a serving spoon.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility

    In Krista’s Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Copyright © 2021-2025 In Krista's Kitchen

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Save

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.