Imagine a dish that captures the pure essence of summer in every single bite - a vibrant, colorful salad that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad is not just a recipe; it's an experience that will transport you to sun-drenched Italian countryside gardens, where fresh, ripe tomatoes burst with flavor and every ingredient tells a delicious story. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick, elegant side dish, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully wash the heirloom tomatoes under cool running water, gently patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, arranging them in a single layer on a large serving platter.
- Wash fresh basil leaves and pat them dry, then use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to roughly chop the leaves into small, fragrant pieces.
- Drizzle the sliced tomatoes evenly with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each slice is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle fresh sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomato slices to enhance their natural flavors.
- Scatter fresh mozzarella balls across the tomato slices, distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
- Garnish the salad with the freshly chopped basil, allowing the herb's aromatic qualities to complement the tomatoes.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Choose the Ripest Tomatoes: Select heirloom tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft when gently pressed, with rich, deep colors indicating peak ripeness.
- Quality Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil and fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the most authentic flavor profile.
- Room Temperature is Key: Serve the salad at room temperature to allow the tomatoes' natural sweetness and the herbs' aromatics to fully develop.
- Knife Skills: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice tomatoes cleanly without crushing their delicate flesh.
- Salt Timing: Add salt just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
- Herb Freshness: Chop basil just before adding to preserve its vibrant color and intense flavor.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange tomato slices in a slightly overlapping pattern for a visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
