Savor Sunshine: Ina Garten’s Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

Summer’s bounty comes alive in this vibrant Ina Garten heirloom tomato salad that captures the essence of fresh, ripe produce.

Colorful tomatoes dance across the plate, promising a burst of garden-fresh flavors.

Each slice reveals a rainbow of deep reds, bright yellows, and rich purples, creating a visual feast before the first bite.

The simple yet elegant combination speaks to the beauty of seasonal ingredients.

Salt, herbs, and a drizzle of quality olive oil turn humble tomatoes into a culinary masterpiece.

You’ll love how this salad celebrates the pure, unadulterated taste of perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes.

Grab the freshest tomatoes from your local market and get ready to savor summer on a plate.

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Heirloom Tomato Salad

• Whole Milk: Rich, creamy base for homemade ricotta with smooth, luxurious texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silky richness and depth to the ricotta.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps coagulate milk during cheese-making.
• White Vinegar: Crucial for separating milk solids and creating ricotta.
• Scallions: Fresh, mild onion kick that brightens the creamy ricotta.
• Dill: Delicate, feathery herb with a tangy, slightly sharp note.
• Chives: Subtle onion flavor with a gentle green freshness.

• Heirloom Tomatoes: Vibrant, colorful varieties with intense, sweet-tangy flavor profiles.
• Garlic: Aromatic, pungent element that adds depth to tomato marinade.
• Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb that brings a bright, peppery essence to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity liquid that connects and enhances all flavors.
• Fleur de Sel: Delicate, flaky sea salt that provides a subtle crunch and pure salt experience.

Tools That Help Tomatoes Shine at Their Peak

• Mesh Sieve: Fine-mesh strainer for draining ricotta.
• Cheesecloth: Soft fabric for straining dairy.
• Stainless-Steel or Enameled Pot: Medium-sized cooking pot for heating milk.
• Medium Bowls: Two separate bowls for mixing ricotta and preparing tomatoes.
• Cutting Board: Surface for slicing tomatoes and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting tomatoes into wedges and halves.
• Slotted Spoon: Tool for transferring tomatoes without excess liquid.
• Large Shallow Bowl or Oval Platter: For serving the salad beautifully.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure salt and pepper.

How Ina Slices and Plates Tomato Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad Adventure

• Creamy Ricotta Foundation

A silky smooth homemade ricotta transforms this salad into a gourmet experience. You’ll craft a delicate cheese using simple ingredients, letting it drain until perfectly lush and creamy.

• Herbal Cheese Blend

Infuse the ricotta with a vibrant mix of fresh scallions, dill, and chives. These green herbs will add a bright, zesty character that dances across your palate.

• Tomato Celebration

Select a colorful array of heirloom tomatoes – each variety bringing its own unique shape, color, and flavor profile. Slice them generously, allowing their natural beauty to shine.

• Salad Symphony

Layer the herbed ricotta as a luscious base, then artfully arrange the tomato pieces around it. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil, scatter fresh basil leaves, and finish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Variations with Burrata or Fresh Herbs

• Experiment with different milk types like goat or sheep milk to create unique, tangy flavor profiles that elevate the ricotta's richness.
• Replace dill and chives with fresh herbs like tarragon, mint, or parsley to introduce exciting new taste dimensions to the creamy base.
• Allow tomatoes and ricotta to reach room temperature before serving, which helps intensify their natural flavors and creates a more delightful sensory experience.
• Prepare ricotta and herb mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to maximize convenience without compromising freshness.
• Mix different heirloom tomato colors and sizes for a visually stunning presentation that adds vibrant complexity to the salad's overall aesthetic and taste profile.

Simple Serving for Summery Satisfaction

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serve this vibrant salad as a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings, perfect for impressing guests with its colorful and fresh presentation.
• Create a Rustic Feast: Pair the salad with crusty artisan bread or grilled sourdough to soak up the delicious olive oil and tomato juices, transforming it into a more substantial meal.
• Complement with Protein: Add grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or prosciutto slices alongside the salad for a complete and satisfying main course that highlights the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to enhance the salad's fresh, bright flavors and create a delightful summer dining experience.

Tips to Store Cut Tomatoes Without Sog

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the ricotta in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, keeping it fresh and creamy in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Tomato Timing: Prepare tomatoes just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and prevent soggy texture; slice them no more than 30 minutes ahead of plating.
• Quick Consumption: Enjoy the salad immediately after assembly for the best taste and texture, as herbs and tomatoes lose their peak freshness quickly.
• Smart Leftover Handling: If you have remaining salad, store the ricotta and tomatoes separately in sealed containers, and reassemble just before eating to keep ingredients crisp and appetizing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 415 kcal

Servings: 4

Vibrant Ina Garten Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s heirloom tomato salad showcases fresh summer produce with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and high-quality olive oil create a simple yet elegant dish that beckons you to savor each colorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pints (1.2 litres) assorted heirloom tomatoes
• 2 cups (500 g) fresh ricotta
• 4 cups (1 litre) whole milk
• 2 cups (475 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (15 g) julienned fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) minced scallions
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) minced fresh dill
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh chives
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) good white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) good olive oil
• Additional olive oil for drizzling
• 1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fleur de sel

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Instructions

1. Ricotta Preparation: Line a fine-mesh strainer with dampened cheesecloth over a deep container. Heat milk, cream, and salt in a stainless-steel pot to a robust boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Curdling Process: Remove from heat, add vinegar, and let sit briefly until curdles form. Transfer mixture to the prepared strainer, allowing drainage for 20-25 minutes based on desired ricotta consistency.
3. Ricotta Finishing: Transfer ricotta to a clean bowl, discarding cheesecloth and liquid. Refrigerate or use within 4-5 days.
4. Herb Infusion: Blend ricotta with scallions, dill, chives, salt, and black pepper. Let flavors meld for up to 30 minutes.
5. Tomato Composition: Slice tomatoes into wedges and halves. Toss with minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Incorporate fresh basil leaves just before serving.
6. Plating Technique: Spread herbed ricotta across a large shallow serving dish. Carefully arrange tomatoes using a slotted spoon to minimize liquid. Enhance with additional olive oil, scattered basil leaves, and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. Serve at room temperature to optimize flavor profile.

Notes

• Ricotta Texture Control: Adjust draining time between 20-25 minutes to achieve desired creaminess, with shorter times yielding softer consistency.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Allow herbed ricotta mixture to rest 30 minutes, enabling herbs to deeply penetrate and enhance overall taste profile.
• Tomato Selection Tip: Choose variety of heirloom tomatoes for vibrant colors and diverse flavor dimensions, ensuring visual and gustatory appeal.
• Serving Temperature Strategy: Serve at room temperature to unlock maximum flavor complexity and allow ingredients to develop nuanced taste characteristics.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg