Heirloom Tomatoes ‘n Goat Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle

Ahhhh….gorgeous heirlooms! Summertime is usually when these beauties are most available so scout out these incredible gems at your local farmers’ markets.

The beauty of this salad I have made for you comes from using a wide variety of heirloom shapes, colors and sizes.

For more beautiful summer salads, LOOK HERE.

So if you can, choose those heirloom tomatoes that make a “statement.” Sizes range from tiny to large and colors vary widely from stunning shades of red, orange and yellow to purple tinged with green… and even striped! If you can’t find heirlooms in your area, any garden-ripe summer tomatoes will make a lovely presentation.

Heirloom Tomatoes ‘n Goat Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle

Yield: about 4 servings

Click HERE for the complete recipe, but in the nutshell, here is what you do:

Instruction

Balsamic Drizzle: in a small container with a lid, combine all ingredients, shaking well. Set aside.

Salad: sprinkle both sides of tomatoes liberally with salt and pepper. (the salt really helps to draw out the flavor.) Arrange tomatoes on a serving platter. Sprinkle with goat cheese. Spoon Balsamic Drizzle over tomatoes; sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with oregano sprigs, sprinkling with some leaves if you like.

Print Recipe

Heirloom Tomatoes ‘n Goat Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle

Ahhhh….gorgeous heirlooms! Summertime is usually when these beauties are most available so scout out these incredible gems at your local farmers’ markets. Sizes range from tiny to large and colors vary widely from stunning shades of red, orange and yellow to purple tinged with green… and even striped! If you can’t find heirlooms in your area, then any garden-ripe summer tomatoes will make a lovely presentation.

Yield: about 4 servings

Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt such as kosher salt or pink Himalayan

Salad

• Kosher salt or other coarse ground salt such as pink Himalayan
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 pints heirloom grape and/or cherry tomatoes slice cherry tomatoes in half
• 2 large yellow heirloom tomatoes sliced (or any kind you can find)
• 3 plum tomatoes sliced (adds variety)
• About 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled (use as much as desired)
• Fresh oregano sprigs

Instructions

• Balsamic Drizzle: in a small container with a lid, combine all ingredients, shaking well. Set aside.
• Salad: sprinkle both sides of tomatoes liberally with salt and pepper. (the salt really helps to draw out the flavor.) Arrange tomatoes on a serving platter. Sprinkle with goat cheese. Spoon Balsamic Drizzle over tomatoes; sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with oregano sprigs, sprinkling with some leaves if you like.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips: Balsamic Drizzle may be prepared up to 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Tomatoes may be sliced and salted up to 1 hour prior to serving. Cover and refrigerate. Add Balsamic Drizzle and goat cheese up to 1 hour prior to serving. Salad is best enjoyed that day as tomatoes will become watery upon longer storage.

The beauty of this salad comes from using a wide variety of heirloom shapes, colors and sizes. So if you can, choose those heirloom tomatoes that make a “statement.”

Notes

Take advantage of the best of your favorite local summer herbs! Swap the oregano with snipped chives, dill or basil or use your favorite fresh herb combo.

Not a goat cheese fan? Fresh mozzarella, manchego, Parmesan or feta would be equally delicious.

Delicious summer pairings:

Click HERE for Grilled Tri-Tip Roast with Caramelized Onions ‘n Peppers Recipe

Click HERE for Signature Crab Cakes Recipe

Click HERE for Grilled Salmon Burgers with Raita Recipe

Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven