True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad
A vibrant salad celebrating heritage tomatoes with minimal ingredients, where the tomatoes' natural sweetness and basil's aroma define its authenticity. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs diced heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil 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 150 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced heirloom tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes in a shallow bowl. Scatter 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the tomatoes and basil. Gently toss with clean hands until the tomatoes are just coated and the basil is fragrant, taking care not to crush the tomatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad?
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 diced heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad?
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 True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 True to Form Heirloom Tomato & Basil Salad?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
