Ingredients
This vibrant salad requires fresh heirloom tomatoes and earthy roasted beets as the foundation. You’ll need just a few quality ingredients to create both the colorful base and the complementary vinaigrette.
For the Salad
- 3 medium beets (mixed varieties preferred – red, golden, and striped)
- 2 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes (various colors and sizes)
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Mixed greens or arugula (4 cups)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Equipment Needed
You need minimal kitchen equipment to create this stunning heirloom tomato beet salad. A sharp chef’s knife becomes essential for cleanly slicing your delicate heirloom tomatoes without crushing their tender flesh. Your cutting board should provide ample space for organizing ingredients as you prep.
A large mixing bowl allows you to combine the vinaigrette ingredients thoroughly. You’ll want a small whisk or fork to emulsify the olive oil and vinegar into a smooth dressing. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate proportions for your vinaigrette components.
For serving this colorful salad, select a wide, shallow platter or individual salad plates that showcase the vibrant tomato and beet colors. The presentation becomes part of the dining experience with this visually striking dish.
A salad spinner proves helpful if you’re washing fresh herbs like basil or arugula. Clean kitchen towels assist with patting ingredients dry and maintaining workspace cleanliness throughout preparation.
Basic measuring tools include liquid measuring cups for olive oil and dry measuring spoons for seasonings. These standard kitchen items complete your equipment list for assembling this elegant summer salad.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your stunning heirloom tomato beet salad. Each component builds upon the next to deliver maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Prep the Beets
Preheat your oven to 425°F and wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before unwrapping. Gently rub the skins off with a paper towel once cooled. Slice the peeled beets into ¼-inch thick rounds and set aside on a separate plate.
Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash your heirloom tomatoes under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp chef’s knife slice the tomatoes into varying thicknesses from ¼-inch to ½-inch to create visual interest. Arrange different colored varieties on your cutting board to visualize your final presentation. Sprinkle the sliced tomatoes lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture and concentrate their flavors.
Make the Vinaigrette
Combine the minced shallot red wine vinegar honey and Dijon mustard in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until the honey dissolves completely. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the vinaigrette aside while you arrange the salad components.
Assemble the Salad
Pat the salted tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the tomato and beet slices alternately on your serving platter creating an overlapping pattern that showcases the vibrant colors. Crumble the goat cheese over the arranged vegetables using your fingers to create rustic chunks. Scatter the toasted walnuts evenly across the salad and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette generously over the entire salad just before serving.
Directions for Serving
Transfer your beautifully assembled heirloom tomato beet salad to a wide shallow platter or large serving plate. The broad surface allows each colorful layer to shine while making it easy for guests to serve themselves generous portions.
Arrange the alternating tomato and beet slices in slightly overlapping rows across the platter. This presentation method showcases the vibrant reds, yellows, and purples of your heirloom varieties while creating an eye-catching pattern that draws attention to every element.
Distribute the crumbled goat cheese evenly across the surface using your fingers or a small spoon. The creamy white cheese creates beautiful contrast against the deep jewel tones of the vegetables while adding rich texture to each bite.
Scatter the toasted walnut pieces throughout the salad, ensuring every section has a generous amount. Your guests will appreciate finding these crunchy elements in every serving, which balance the soft textures of the cheese and vegetables.
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the entire salad just before presenting it to your guests. Use a light hand with the dressing, allowing the natural flavors of the heirloom tomatoes and roasted beets to remain the stars of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herb leaves like basil or microgreens for a final flourish of color and aroma. Place serving utensils alongside the platter, including both a large spoon and serving fork to make portioning easy for your guests.
Serve the salad at room temperature within 30 minutes of assembly for optimal flavor and texture. The combination of warm roasted beets and room temperature tomatoes creates the perfect eating experience that highlights summer’s finest produce.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare several components of this heirloom tomato beet salad up to 2 days in advance to streamline your entertaining or meal prep routine.
Roast your beets up to 48 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator once they cool completely. Wrap the sliced beets in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. This advance preparation actually improves the beets’ flavor as they have time to develop their natural sweetness.
Your vinaigrette benefits from being made 1 to 2 days early since the flavors meld beautifully over time. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and give it a vigorous shake before using. The shallots will soften slightly and infuse the entire mixture with their mild onion flavor.
Toast your walnuts up to one week ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents them from becoming stale while maintaining their satisfying crunch. You can even freeze toasted walnuts for up to 3 months if you want to prepare them further in advance.
Avoid slicing your heirloom tomatoes until the day you plan to serve the salad. Tomatoes release their juices once cut and will become soggy if prepared too far ahead. Salt them just 15 to 30 minutes before assembly to draw out excess moisture without compromising their texture.
Keep your goat cheese refrigerated until ready to use and crumble it just before serving. Fresh herbs should also wait until the final assembly since they wilt quickly once chopped.
Store all make-ahead components separately and assemble the salad no more than 30 minutes before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the ingredients from becoming waterlogged.
Storage Instructions
Store your assembled heirloom tomato beet salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours after plating. Beyond this timeframe the tomatoes will release excess moisture and create a watery base that compromises the salad’s texture.
Keep individual components separately for optimal freshness and extended storage life. Your roasted beets maintain their quality in an airtight container for up to 5 days when refrigerated. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed glass container to prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
Place your prepared vinaigrette in a sealed jar or container where it will keep for up to 1 week refrigerated. Shake or whisk vigorously before each use since the ingredients will naturally separate during storage.
Fresh heirloom tomatoes require careful handling for maximum flavor retention. Store them at room temperature on your counter away from direct sunlight if you plan to use them within 2 days. Refrigerate only fully ripe tomatoes and use within 3 days for best taste and texture.
Your toasted walnuts stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Store them in the refrigerator for extended freshness up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crumbled goat cheese keeps best in its original packaging or transferred to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within the expiration date on the package or within 1 week of opening for optimal creaminess and flavor.
Never store the fully assembled salad overnight as the salt from the tomatoes and beets will draw out moisture and create an unappetizing soggy texture. Always combine components just before serving for the best presentation and taste experience.
Recipe Variations
Transform your heirloom tomato beet salad with these creative adaptations that maintain the dish’s elegant foundation while introducing new flavor profiles. Each variation builds upon the basic recipe structure while offering unique taste experiences.
Cheese Additions
Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta for a saltier Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet beets. Fresh mozzarella balls create a mild creamy contrast that allows the tomato flavors to shine through completely. Ricotta salata adds a firm texture and subtle sheep milk flavor that complements both the earthy beets and bright tomatoes.
Blue cheese crumbles provide a bold tangy element that creates an exciting flavor contrast with the sweet roasted beets. Burrata offers an indulgent creamy center that spreads beautifully when torn over the arranged vegetables. Aged manchego shavings bring a nutty complexity that enhances the overall depth of the salad.
Herb Substitutions
Swap fresh basil for oregano to create a more Mediterranean flavor profile that works especially well with feta cheese variations. Fresh mint leaves provide a cooling element that brightens the entire dish and pairs exceptionally with the sweet beets. Tarragon offers a subtle anise flavor that adds sophistication to your presentation.
Chives deliver a mild onion flavor that complements the shallot vinaigrette without overwhelming the delicate tomato taste. Fresh thyme sprigs contribute an earthy note that enhances the roasted beet flavors naturally. Dill fronds create a fresh bright taste that works particularly well when serving the salad alongside grilled fish or chicken.
Nut and Seed Options
Substitute toasted pine nuts for walnuts to achieve a buttery texture that melts seamlessly into each bite. Candied pecans add sweetness that balances the tangy vinaigrette while providing satisfying crunch. Toasted almonds offer a neutral nutty flavor that won’t compete with the starring vegetables.
Pumpkin seeds provide a different textural element with their flat shape and earthy taste that complements fall variations. Sunflower seeds create an affordable option that delivers protein and healthy fats while maintaining the satisfying crunch factor. Hemp hearts offer a subtle nutty flavor with added nutritional benefits for health conscious diners.
Conclusion
This heirloom tomato beet salad transforms your summer gatherings with its stunning visual appeal and exceptional flavor profile. You’ll discover that the combination of earthy roasted beets and vibrant heirloom tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to execute.
The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re experimenting with different cheese varieties or trying new herb combinations you’ll find endless ways to make this salad uniquely yours.
Most importantly you’re working with peak-season produce that delivers maximum nutritional value and taste. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful presentation and fresh flavors that make this salad a memorable centerpiece for any meal.
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