Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad
A celebration of ancient tomato varieties paired with fresh herbs and aged balsamic, evoking timeless garden freshness. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely chopped fresh basil leaves, aged balsamic vinegar, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced into 1/2-inch cubes heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated, ensuring the tomatoes remain crisp.
- Step 4: Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (25 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 Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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 aged balsamic vinegar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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 Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad 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 Venerable Heirloom Tomato & Herb 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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
