What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato Salad

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

A celebration of summer's finest tomatoes paired with creamy burrata, peppery arugula, and a simple balsamic glaze that elevates each bite. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, fresh arugula, burrata cheese 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 380 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp sea salt until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 4 oz arugula evenly on each of 4 plates. Top with 1/2 lb heirloom tomato wedges arranged in a circular pattern.
  3. Step 3: Slice 8 oz chilled burrata into 8 equal portions and place 2 portions on top of tomatoes on each plate.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette over each salad, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp torn basil and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately to prevent tomatoes from releasing excess liquid, ensuring the burrata remains creamy and the vinaigrette coats everything evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato 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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato 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 What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato 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 What Was Best? Heirloom Tomato 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.

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