Heirloom Tomato Salad with Garlic and Oregano
This gorgeously simple heirloom tomato salad tastes as good as it looks! With fresh, vibrant, and colorful heirloom tomatoes and a bold, tangy Mediterranean dressing, this salad is the perfect side dish on a hot summer’s day. Punchy garlic, peppery oregano, and sharp red wine vinegar elevate the sweet, juicy tomatoes to create a stunningly straightforward salad you’ll come back to again and again.
Author’s Notes for Heirloom Tomato Salad
Craving a bit of color on your plate? Looking for a summery side dish to serve with some oven-roasted chicken legs, Mediterranean Style Olive Oil Chicken, or Spanish Chicken Pimentos? Or are you just looking for something simple to enjoy as a refreshing snack? I’ve got you covered with today’s recipe!
I first came across this tomato garlic salad on a road trip in sunny Spain. We’d stopped off for a quick bite and a drink at a small taberna, and I was utterly blown away by this stunningly simple, yet utterly delicious dish.
Heirloom tomato salad is all about the produce, and it’s perfect for almost any occasion. To start, heirloom tomatoes are magical: Not only do they look incredible, with a vibrant array of different colors, but they’re far juicier and more intensely flavored than their regular cousins. With such a fantastic star, this dish is all about elevating rather than overpowering such a magnificent ingredient.
I’ve used some fresh, raw garlic for a bit of sharp heat that pairs with the sweet tomatoes. Red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil balance each other to deliver a rich, tangy flavor, and oregano adds some earthy, peppery goodness. They’re all bold Mediterranean flavors, and they work together perfectly in this heirloom tomato salad recipe.
If you want something a bit lighter than my Greek or Summer Panzanella to serve at your next barbecue, or you want something a little more unusual than a classic Horiatiki or Tomato Feta Salad, this dish is for you. This is a salad made for entertaining. It takes mere minutes to prepare and is a real crowd pleaser!
Main Ingredients and Substitutions
Refer to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients with measurements!
- Heirloom Tomatoes – You can make this salad with any type of large salad tomato, but nothing compares to heirloom tomatoes in terms of taste. They’re unbelievably rich and complex, and it’s this extra flavor that makes this tomato garlic salad really pop.
- Garlic – Adds a powerful, punchy tang to our salad. Fresh, raw garlic can be a little strong for some people’s tastes, so use as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
- Oregano – This classic Mediterranean herb is the natural partner of tomato. We’re using both fresh and dried oregano to maximise the earthy, floral flavor and add an extra dash of color.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – In such a straightforward dish, using a good-quality oil is essential. There aren’t too many other flavors at play here, so extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference in the overall taste! The rich, buttery flavor rounds out this heirloom tomato salad recipe perfectly.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Cuts through the richness of the olive oil and tomatoes, and brings a slightly fruity and tangy depth that’s perfect for a summer dish. Try white wine vinegar or diluted balsamic vinegar if you don’t have any on hand.
How to Make a Perfect Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Prepare the Tomatoes – Cut your heirloom tomatoes into slices roughly ⅓” thick, and arrange them in a single layer on a serving plate. Top the tomatoes with the fresh oregano leaves.
- Make the Dressing – Mince the raw garlic, then add it to a mason jar along with the salt, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Close the lid and shake until everything is properly combined.
- Complete and Serve – Pour the dressing over the tomatoes, then add some freshly ground black pepper and serve!
Storing, Reheating, and Make-ahead
This salad is best made fresh. Tomatoes quickly turn slimy once sliced! I like to make a large batch of the dressing and keep it in a sealed mason jar in the fridge. This speeds up preparation, and the dressing tastes fantastic on other salads as well. It’ll keep for approximately 5 days in the refrigerator before it becomes unsafe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pick a good heirloom tomato for my tomato garlic salad?
Look for tomatoes that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. The ripest, juiciest ones often feel a bit heavy for their size. You’re also looking for a vibrant, deep coloring, but don’t worry if the color isn’t uniform. Heirloom tomatoes rarely are!
Can I add cheese to this heirloom tomato salad recipe?
If you want to bulk out this salad, soft cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, or goat’s cheese work perfectly. Slice them to a similar thickness to the tomatoes for consistency. You could even add some croutons to round it out further!
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
You can if you like, but there’s really no need! Heirloom tomato skin is super-thin and completely edible. Just give them a wash before slicing and you’re good to go.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Garlic and Oregano
Ingredients
- Heirloom tomatoes in 3 different colors
- 2 small or 1 large garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1-2 sprigs fresh oregano use the leaves only
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice your tomatoes into 1/3" thick slices and arrange them in a single layer on an oval serving plate.
- In a mason jar, combine garlic, salt, dry oregano, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Close the lid and shake well until the dressing ingredients are well combined.
- Add oregano leaves all over the tomatoes.
- Pour the dressing over the sliced heirloom tomatoes.
- Add freshly ground black pepper and serve.
Nutrition
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