Tomatoes are incredibly underrated in my opinion – and we have some fabulous varieties grown here in the UK that simply aren’t shouted about enough. As the warmer months approach, there’s no better time to showcase their vibrant colours and rich flavours in a simple, elegant salad. And what better way to do so than with this heritage tomato salad?
To help the star ingredient – heritage tomatoes – shine, I’ve kept the ingredients in this salad minimal. All that is needed to elevate their natural sweetness is a touch of flaky salt, balsamic vinegar, good quality olive oil, and a few sprigs of fresh basil. You could also add a few slices of creamy mozzarella if you want to incorporate those traditional caprese elements.
Superrr quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, this heritage tomato salad is the perfect side for alfresco summer dining and BBQs alike. Read on for the full recipe!
Method
Follow these steps to make our Heritage Tomato Salad
Start by washing your tomatoes under cool water, using your hands to remove any dirt and debris. Leave them to dry on a teatowel completely before slicing. I sliced my green and yellow tomatoes into 1cm-thick rounds, chopped the baby plum and Piccolo tomatoes in half, and my larger red heirloom tomatoes into chunky wedges.
Now for the fun part! Because this salad is so simple and quick to prepare, I spend extra time on the presentation for that added ‘wow’ factor. Firstly, choose a serving platter large enough to accommodate your glut of beautiful tomatoes.
To show off their incredible colours, I started with a border of yellow tomato slices around the edge of my platter, then slices of green, and then scattered my red tomatoes – halved Piccolo and baby plum, as well as the red tomato wedges – into the middle of the platter.
Top Tip: If you’re adding mozzarella to your heritage tomato salad, now is the time to lay the slices on top of your tomatoes. Try not to add too many, as you want to keep the tomatoes the focal point of the salad.
To season your tomatoes, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Then, to your red tomatoes, add a splash or two of balsamic vinegar (I avoid adding balsamic to the yellow and green varieties, as this takes away from their presentation!). Finish with a few sprigs of fresh basil – serve and enjoy immediately!
What To Serve With Your Heritage Tomato Salad
We hosted a make-your-own pizza party this past bank holiday weekend, so we enjoyed the tomato salad alongside plenty of carbs and chilled white wine! But, because tomatoes are just so versatile, you could also serve this salad with:
- Grilled chicken (this was actually our dinner the next day with the leftover salad and spiced potato wedges!)
- Steak
- Salmon fillets
- Pork chops
- Mexican food like chilli con carne or tacos (simply chop your tomatoes slightly more and add some lime and coriander… a pico-de-gallo vibe if you will!)
- Hummus & pitta bread
- A charcuterie platter
What Can I Do With My Leftover Heritage Tomato Salad?
Because your gorgeous tomatoes have already been sliced and seasoned, they’ll only keep well for about a day, possibly two. So, if you have any leftovers, simply pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. When it comes to serving again, drain any excess water that would have come from the tomatoes, re-season and garnish as needed, and enjoy!
What Are Heritage Tomatoes?
Heritage tomatoes – also known as heirloom tomatoes in the US – are varieties that have been passed down through generations, often prized for their unique shapes, colours, and rich, complex flavours. Unlike standard supermarket tomatoes, heritage types haven’t been bred for uniformity or long shelf life. Instead, they’re grown for taste, texture, and character.
Their naturally sweet, juicy flavour means they are best enjoyed raw, making them perfect for fresh, seasonal dishes like this salad. Heritage tomatoes are often much more colourful than supermarket varieties, with many coming in shades of orange, yellow, green, or even purple!
I found my heritage tomatoes at a greengrocer in my village of Wingerworth in the UK countryside, but you may also find them at local farmers’ markets, independent greengrocers, or even veg box deliveries from British growers. Some larger supermarkets (like Waitrose or M&S) also carry mixed packs when they’re in season – just keep an eye out for words like “heritage,” “heirloom,” or “mixed variety.”
Easy Summer Salad Recipes From Savery Grazing
Looking for more easy, seasonal recipes like this heirloom tomato salad? From crowd-pleasing sides to summer grazing table staples, you’ll find plenty of fresh ideas on our food blog. Or, keep up to date with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on this recipe in the comments below!
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