Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad | Recipes

Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad | Recipes

4 servings
Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad from Barefoot Contessa. Slice the large tomatoes and arrange them on a platter. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half through the stem and arrange with the tomatoes. Sprinkle generously with salt and drizzle with vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Cut the cheese in slices and break into rough pieces, distributing the cheese over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with the basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • heirloom tomatoes

    cores removed

    2 lb

Directions

  1. 1

    <p>Slice the large tomatoes and arrange them on a platter. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half through the stem and arrange with the tomatoes. Sprinkle generously with salt and drizzle with vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes.</p>
    <p>Cut the cheese in slices and break into rough pieces, distributing the cheese over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with the basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature. </p>.

Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad | Recipes

Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad | Recipes

4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, fresh salad that bursts with flavor and color, effortlessly transforming any meal into something special? This Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad offers an incredibly simple yet elegant way to celebrate the season's most beautiful produce, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.

The genius of this salad lies in its minimalist approach, allowing the inherent quality of peak-season heirloom tomatoes to take center stage. A crucial step involves a brief salting and resting period for the tomatoes, which not only draws out their natural, incredible juices but also intensifies their flavor. This creates the perfect vibrant canvas for the creamy, tangy blue cheese and the fragrant, fresh basil to build upon, culminating in a dish that's far greater than the sum of its parts.

Prepare your palate for a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on the tongue. You'll savor the varied, succulent flesh of generously sliced large heirloom tomatoes, beautifully interspersed with the brighter, sweet bursts of halved cherry tomatoes. The experience is then elevated by the crumbled blue cheese, offering its signature pungent and creamy counterpoint, while fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic, peppery lift. All these exquisite components are gently united by a delicate drizzle of quality olive oil and a splash of vinegar, creating a harmonious and refreshing bite. This side dish is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing every flavor to fully bloom.

This recipe shines with its simplicity, but offers room for personal touches. Don't hesitate to play with the rainbow of heirloom tomato varieties available, mixing different colors and sizes to create an even more visually appealing platter. While blue cheese provides a distinct tang, you can certainly adjust the quantity to suit your preference, or explore different types of blue cheese for varying intensities. A hint of balsamic vinegar could be used for a sweeter, richer note, or a dash of red wine vinegar for a sharper kick, instead of a neutral vinegar.

This stunning and sophisticated salad makes an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of main courses, from succulent grilled chicken or fish to a hearty vegetarian lasagna. It's the perfect elegant side dish to bring to a potluck, impress guests at a dinner party, or simply elevate a casual weeknight meal. Present it proudly on a beautiful platter to showcase its natural beauty and vibrant colors.

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