Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing

This Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing recipe is a great way to use up those heirloom tomatoes currently ripening on the vine in your garden.

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Dropping in for a quick post today and to give one last ode to summer with this late season heirloom tomato salad recipe. The humidity has already started to drop here in the Midwest so I know fall is on the horizon, but my garden is still bursting with these late summer beauties. I’d probably be wishing summer away altogether (fall is my favorite season) if it wasn’t for all the fresh herbs and tomatoes currently thriving in the garden.

This tomato basil salad is simple as it’s meant to let the flavor and texture of the fresh tomatoes really shine. Please do not make this salad if you don’t have tomatoes that were picked within the past few days or that have been stored in the fridge.

It’s also pretty perfect for those lingering warm September nights when you don’t feel like turning the oven on. I like a little crunch in my salad so I’ve added a handful of nuts and sesame seeds. This can be served as is or you can serve with with toasted bread (either sliced to be served on the side or torn and thrown into the salad).

read more: My Favorite Summer Salads for a Crowd

What’s Needed for Heirloom Tomato Salad?

This is one of my favorite heirloom tomato recipes since the fresh tomato flavor really shines in this dish. To make the heirloom tomato salad and accompanying tomato salad dressing, you’ll need the following:

• Heirloom tomatoes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Toasted nuts (your choice)
• Sesame seeds
• Lemon juice and zest
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Heirloom Tomato Salad

I’ve given detailed instructions in the recipe card below on how to make this tomato basil salad. Here are the basic steps to mastering this recipe:

1. Arrange slices of heirloom tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes on a platter.
2. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves, toasted nuts, and sesame seeds.
3. Whisk together the lemon dressing and drizzle half over the heirloom tomato salad. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
4. Drizzle on the remaining half of the tomato salad dressing just before serving.

Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?

Of course! Any ripe, freshly picked tomatoes will work in this recipe. This tomato basil salad will taste good with any combination of tomatoes!

Tips for Making Heirloom Tomato Salad

If you have a nut allergy, feel free to omit the toasted nuts and substitute sunflower seeds or another seed of choice instead.

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than the bottled stuff. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Lastly, it’s important that you let the heirloom tomato salad sit for 10 minutes after you drizzle on the dressing. This gives the tomatoes time to soak up the lemon dressing and makes for an extra flavorful salad.

Want More Summer Salad Recipes?

Looking to get a few more summer salad recipes in before we dive into everything pumpkin-spiced and apples? Here are my suggestions:

• Fruit Salad with Tahini Granola
• Summer Pasta Salad with Dill Vinaigrette
• Mint Feta Lime Melon Salad
• Thai Quinoa Salad with Ginger Peanut Butter Dressing
• Cucumber Salad with Strawberry Yogurt & Pistachio Za’atar
• ALL OF MY SUMMER RECIPES!