Heirloom Tomato Salad
This tomato salad highlights ripe, garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes with minimal processing. The dish features juicy, slightly oily tomatoes tossed with herbs, salt, and olive oil, resulting in a vibrant, rustic appearance and bursting texture.
Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups heirloom tomatoes preferably mixed colors and shapes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil high quality for richer flavor
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- optional freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the heirloom tomatoes under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Arrange them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to roughly chop them into uneven, rustic pieces, preserving their vibrant colors and varied shapes.
- Transfer the chopped tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, allowing their juices to begin mingling and creating a colorful, fragrant base for the salad.
- Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes, letting it drizzle evenly as you gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula. This helps coat the tomatoes and enhances their natural oils and flavors.
- Sprinkle the sea salt over the mixture, then give it another gentle toss. The salt will enhance the sweetness and bring out the tomatoes' natural freshness.
- Gently tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and scatter them over the salad, folding them in carefully so they stay vibrant and aromatic.
- If desired, grind some black pepper over the top for extra aroma and a subtle spicy kick, then give the salad one final gentle toss.
- Serve the salad immediately, allowing the flavors to meld just slightly, with the bright colors and juicy textures creating a simple yet stunning dish perfect for warm days.
