One of my favorite things about summer is Heirloom Tomatoes from the Farmer’s Market. They are expensive, usually over $4.50 per pound, but they are so tasty and so beautiful. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you so many different ways to present them. In my opinion, the best Heirloom Tomato Salad is just heirloom tomatoes (1-3 varieties), fresh basil, a good coarse salt, and freshly ground pepper. Nothing else. I love their natural flavor and don’t want to mask them in any way. Yet, when I serve these just like this, people often ask me, what did I do to make these tomatoes so delicious? The secret is restraint and allowing mother nature to shine.
Less is more when it comes to heirlooms, I agree. Although I’ve been taking that too far lately by eating them like apples. The silly part is that my husband noticed I had tomato seeds dried on my neck after the juices ran down my face.
Loved your last sentence “The secret is restraint and allowing mother nature to shine.” So poetic and so true!
Yeah they are so pricey. That’s why I started planting my own and it’s so worth it. I love their shape and sweet ripe flavor. Don’t know if it’s possible in NYC, maybe on your balcony?
It’s been a cool summer here in the UK, so my first tomatoes are just now turing red. I can’t WAIT to make salads like this when they’re finally ready for eating!
Lovely, lovely, lovely,…!
LOL EMC, we are truly sisters from another life. Lon often notices the left-over food on my face.
Jackie, I don’t get enough light to grow tomatoes right now but when I eventually move, I’ll be sure to grow tomatoes and I will definitely need some of your advice.
SarahKate, better late than never right. =)
Very cool color this tomatos. !!!
lovely! i almost feel like using heirlooms in something that doesn’t showcase their beauty is a crime against them!
Ah yes, the beautiful but expensive New York heirloom tomatoes. I have definitely been eating many more of these on the west coast, mainly because here they are $3/pound at the marketing instead of $4.50. But, they are worth the price.
Mmmm I adore heirloom tomaotoes. It one of the things I am willing to pay an outrageous price for! Great salad!!
Had the best salad in Carmel California at the Campbell’s. A summer MUST.
Great served at any meal as a salad or plated with fish as a side dish, even brunch with frittatas
(A wedge of the peach must be in the champagne flute)
Multicolored Heirlooms and free stone peaches, wedged, one stock of celery, small cubes for just a hint of crunch. Juice of 1-2 lemons.
All lightly bathed in a 3 -1 balsamic/e.v.o.o. Fresh ground pepper and sea salt.
Just before serving, thinly scissors cut a generous amount of Mint and toss.
The combo is incredible; the colors are alive and bright – just like a Carmel Sunset!
Add a good dash of olive oil to that and I’m sold.
Planted my first ones on my balcony in flower pots… can’t wait for them to produce. I’ve already picked my roma tomatos but these are late bloomers. Am going home today to have one of the others tonight.
KB, you are so lucky! I have to buy mine.