Pin to Board The first time I created a tomato salad board was for an impromptu garden party when the temperature hit 95 degrees and cooking felt impossible. My heirloom tomato plants had finally erupted with their kaleidoscope of colors after weeks of careful tending. The vibrant yellows, deep purples, and striped greens deserved more than just being chopped into a standard salad. Standing barefoot in my kitchen, slicing those warm tomatoes still smelling of sunshine, I realized sometimes the simplest preparations honor ingredients best.
Last August, my neighbor gifted me an enormous basket of heirloom tomatoes from her garden, varieties Id never even seen before. Rather than cooking them down, I created this salad board for an evening with friends, placing it center table without explanation. The conversation literally stopped mid-sentence when I set it down, everyone reaching for their phones to capture its beauty before diving in. Sometimes food becomes art without even trying.
Ingredients
- Assorted heirloom tomatoes: The more varied in color and size, the more stunning your board will be, and each variety brings its own sweet-acidic balance.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The creamy center creates this wonderful richness that mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, and I learned after many attempts that room temperature is non-negotiable for the best flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves: I prefer Genovese basil for its intense aroma, but any variety works beautifully to create the vibrant oil that ties everything together.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This isnt the time for cooking oil, you want something with character and fruity notes that enhances the tomatoes natural flavors.
- Flaky sea salt: Those little crunchy crystals make each bite pop with flavor in a way table salt never could.
Instructions
- Create the basil elixir:
- In your blender, combine fresh basil leaves, good olive oil, a small garlic clove, and that pinch of salt until it transforms into a vibrant green liquid that smells like summer. You can strain it through a fine sieve if you want it perfectly smooth, but I often leave those tiny flecks of basil for character.
- Showcase your tomato rainbow:
- On a large board or platter, arrange your sliced heirloom tomatoes so their colors play off each other, creating little valleys and peaks as if painting a landscape. Think of it as edible art where every piece should be easily grabbable.
- Add burrata clouds:
- With clean hands, gently tear your burrata balls into generous pieces, revealing their creamy centers as you nestle them among the tomato arrangement. The contrast between the white cheese and colorful tomatoes creates that wow factor that makes people reach for their cameras.
- Drizzle with generosity:
- Pour that gorgeous basil oil in swooping motions across the entire display, letting it pool slightly around the burrata. This isnt just for flavor, the glistening oil catches the light and makes everything look even more appetizing.
- Finish with flourishes:
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper from a height so it distributes evenly. Scatter those toasted pine nuts and extra basil leaves like confetti across the top, adding texture and those little bursts of flavor you discover as you eat.
Pin to Board My friend Elenas daughter, who famously ate nothing but plain pasta, shocked us all by repeatedly returning to this tomato board during a summer gathering. Later, Elena confided that her daughter had asked if we could have that colorful tomato thing again, marking it as the first vegetable-forward dish shed willingly eaten in years. In that moment, I realized food arranged with care somehow speaks a language even the pickiest eaters understand.
Seasonal Adaptations
While this salad shines brightest in late summer when heirloom tomatoes reach their peak, Ive created winter versions using good quality greenhouse tomatoes supplemented with roasted red peppers and marinated artichoke hearts. The key is maintaining that beautiful color contrast, even when nature isnt providing its full palette. During shoulder seasons, I sometimes add thinly sliced watermelon radishes or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal when tomato selection is limited.
Serving Suggestions
Though perfectly complete on its own, this tomato board becomes a complete meal with a few thoughtful additions. Sometimes I surround the board with small bowls of warm olives, marinated white beans, or torn pieces of prosciutto for guests who want something more substantial. For casual gatherings, I place the board directly on the table with wooden serving utensils and small plates nearby, encouraging everyone to build their own perfect bite with exactly the proportion of tomato to burrata they prefer.
Making It Your Own
This recipe welcomes personalization based on what you have available or your particular preferences. Ive made versions with dollops of homemade pesto instead of basil oil when time was tight, and friends have added everything from pickled red onions to grilled peach slices with delicious results. The format is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for experimentation without risk.
- For a vegan version, replace burrata with dollops of cashew cream cheese or avocado slices drizzled with lemon.
- If serving as a main course, add a protein like grilled shrimp or white beans tossed in olive oil and herbs.
- Consider a sprinkle of za'atar, sumac, or everything bagel seasoning for an unexpected flavor twist.
Pin to Board Every time I serve this heirloom tomato board, someone asks for the recipe, often surprised when I explain how simple it really is. Its a beautiful reminder that when ingredients are at their peak, our job is simply to arrange them thoughtfully and then get out of their way.
Common Questions
- → Can I prepare the basil oil in advance?
Yes, basil oil can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before drizzling over the salad for best flavor and appearance.
- → What's the best way to select heirloom tomatoes?
Choose tomatoes that are ripe, fragrant at the stem, and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Select a variety of colors and sizes for visual appeal. Avoid refrigerating until serving, as cold diminishes their natural flavor.
- → Can I substitute burrata with other cheeses?
Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, or vegan cheese alternatives work beautifully. For a firmer texture, try creamy goat cheese or ricotta. Adjust quantities based on the cheese's richness.
- → How do I prevent the basil oil from browning?
Blanch the basil leaves briefly in boiling salted water before blending to preserve their bright green color and prevent oxidation. Pat dry thoroughly before processing with the oil and garlic.
- → What wines pair well with this salad?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rosé, Pinot Grigio, or light Vermentino complement the fresh tomatoes and creamy cheese beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the basil's herbaceous notes.
- → Can I add proteins to make this more filling?
Certainly. Consider adding grilled chicken, crispy prosciutto, smoked salmon, or white beans. These additions transform it into a more substantial main course while maintaining its fresh, light character.