Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh salad showcasing vibrant heirloom tomatoes and peppery microgreens dressed in a smoky, tangy vinaigrette inspired by local ingredients. This southern-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs microgreens, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 3 cups sliced heirloom tomatoes on a large serving platter.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 2 cups fresh microgreens evenly over the tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the smoky vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup toasted pecans on top for added flavor and texture.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant freshness and smoky notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep microgreens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Heirloom Tomato and Microgreen Salad with Smoked Vinaigrette?

Southern salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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