Heirloom Tomato & Feta Salad
Heirloom Tomato & Feta Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of colorful heirloom tomatoes with the creamy, salty tang of feta cheese. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a refreshing appetizer or light meal, packed with bright flavors, nutritious ingredients, and stunning visual appeal. Ideal for any season, it can be enjoyed as-is or customized with a variety of herbs, cheeses, and add-ins.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salad Ingredients
- 2–3 cups mixed heirloom tomatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces or wedges
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and dry a variety of heirloom tomatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces or wedges to showcase their natural colors and juicy texture.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion so it blends seamlessly with the tomatoes without overpowering their sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the heirloom tomatoes, red onion slices, and torn fresh basil leaves to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Crumble the Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the tomato mixture, allowing its creamy saltiness to contrast beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and, if using, balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently to combine all flavors without breaking up the ingredients.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away for the freshest experience, enjoying the vibrant flavors and crisp textures at their peak.
Notes
- Pick the best ripe, fragrant heirloom tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Let tomatoes and feta sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before assembling to enhance their natural flavors.
- Gently toss the salad ingredients to avoid breaking the tomatoes or over-crumbling the feta.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, balanced taste.
- Add fresh basil last to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; not recommended to freeze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Heirloom tomato salad, feta cheese salad, fresh salad recipe, Mediterranean salad, quick salad, summer salad, vegetarian, gluten free