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Here at Kendall-Jackson, we’re crazy about heirloom tomatoes. There’s just something special about biting into a meaty heirloom tomato — it’s so much more satisfying than those store bought, thin-skinned tomatoes that don’t hold any flavor.
To highlight the heirloom tomato and let it speak for itself, we want to share this stunning heirloom tomato & mozzarella salad recipe with you! This bright summer salad is perfect for outdoor barbecues, a date night in or with a nice side of grilled beef. Pair it with our Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay and you’ve got yourself a new instant favorite that won’t have you spending all day in the kitchen!
Why Heirloom Tomatoes are the Stars of Summer
If you have ever wondered why a farmers market tomato tastes like a completely different fruit than the ones you find at the supermarket in mid-winter, the secret is in the seeds. Most grocery store tomatoes are hybrids, bred specifically for a long shelf life and the ability to stay firm during shipping. While they look uniform, that durability often comes at the cost of flavor and texture.
Heirloom tomatoes are different. These varieties have been passed down through generations, preserved for their exceptional taste, vibrant colors, and juicy, "meaty" interiors. Because they haven't been genetically modified for industrial travel, they retain a complex sweetness and a refreshing acidity that defines the taste of summer.
Heirloom Tomato Salad Variations to Try at Home
While the classic pairing of tomato and mozzarella is hard to beat, the beauty of heirloom tomatoes is their versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your mood or the specific varieties you find at the local farm stand.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to switch things up:
- The Mediterranean Twist: Swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta and add a handful of Kalamata olives and sliced cucumbers for a salty, crisp profile.
- The Panzanella Style: Toss in two cups of cubed, toasted sourdough bread. The bread acts like a sponge for the tomato juices and olive oil, making the salad even more filling.
- A Touch of Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes or add a drizzle of hot honey over the finished plate to contrast the cool, creamy cheese.
- Garden Herb Refresh: Replace or supplement the basil with fresh mint or tarragon for a bright, floral aroma that highlights the citrus notes in your wine.
- The Stone Fruit Fusion: In peak summer, try adding sliced grilled peaches or plums. The sweetness of the stone fruit paired with the acidity of the tomatoes is a gourmet revelation.
Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
Recipe Type:
Salad
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs. heirloom tomatoes, mixed varieties
- ¼ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup micro basil or 1 dozen basil leaves, sliced & torn
- 2 large balls of fresh mozzarella, cut into wedges
- Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes in wedges (3/4 to 1-inch thick).
- In a large bowl, add tomatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, pepper and half of the basil.
- Toss and allow to marinate for 2 minutes.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving plate – showcasing each color.
- Pour the marinating liquid over the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Garnish with remaining basil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Serve with Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Pairing Wine with Your Heirloom Tomato Salad
When it comes to a dish as fresh and vibrant as an heirloom tomato salad, you need a wine that can stand up to the natural acidity of the tomatoes while complementing the rich, creamy texture of the fresh mozzarella. That is where our Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay truly shines.
The secret to this pairing lies in balance. Heirloom tomatoes are famously juicy and acidic, which can often overwhelm a lighter wine. However, our Grand Reserve Chardonnay undergoes oak aging, giving it a beautiful, velvety mouthfeel and notes of toasted oak and vanilla. These creamy characteristics mirror the soft profile of the mozzarella, creating a seamless transition from the plate to the glass.
While the Grand Reserve is a spectacular choice for this dish, it is just one star in our wider portfolio of acclaimed wines. From our iconic Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay—America’s favorite for over three decades—to our elegant Pinot Noirs and robust Cabernet Sauvignons, we craft each bottle to celebrate the diverse coastal terroir of California..
