I’ve been growing heirloom tomatoes in my backyard for the past couple of years and have had an opportunity to experiment with a variety of heirloom tomato salads. So, let me tell you what I think makes the absolute best heirloom tomato salad.
Picking tomatoes for the heirloom tomato salad
I think the key part of any successful heirloom tomato salad is to use a variety of tomatoes. You could get away with two varieties, maybe even one, but the more you add, the better. Different tomatoes add different textures and flavors. Some are sweet, some are tangy, some are somewhere in the middle. And don’t forget the different colors. We eat with our eyes. The more colorful the salad will be, the better it will taste to us. Oh, and I highly recommend cutting the tomatoes into large chunks instead of slicing. You want to feel the meaty texture and have the juices burst in your mouth. Thinly sliced tomatoes just don’t have that effect.
Mix-ins
I find the nutty arugula flavor with a sweet and spicy finish absolutely essential in an heirloom tomato salad. Basil is great, very aromatic, but arugula takes it to the next level. I highly recommend it in this salad. The soft, creamy burrata is what makes this salad really shine. Surely, you can use bocconcini or fresh mozzarella and get a tasty salad a la Caprese, but burrata is something else. Its exterior is made of stretched mozzarella but the interior is creamy, soft, slightly sweet, and delicate. I love how it pairs with the meaty, sweet, and tangy heirloom tomatoes. Finally, don’t forget some fresh figs. Their honey-like sweetness with a subtle hint of berries is like the cherry on the cake. Without them, this salad wouldn’t be complete.
Making heirloom tomato salad ahead
This salad can be made a few hours ahead and will only get better over time. If you plan on serving it in the evening you can easily make it as early as in the morning. The cheese should be added just before serving. Keep the cheese refrigerated while the salad should be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration will ruin the taste and the texture of the tomatoes.
Storing leftover tomato salad
Tomato salads generally don’t store well in the fridge so it’s always best to make just enough for eating the same day. If you happen to have some leftovers, it’s best to refrigerate it as it has cheese in it. The next day, take the salad out an hour before serving to bring it to room temperature for best results.
