The Heirloom Tomato Flight is the viral summer dish my tastebuds wait for all year—it’s a glorious showcase of peak-season heirloom tomatoes, each slice topped with bold, crave-worthy flavors that turn your tomato haul into three irresistible bites. If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this is your golden ticket!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fireworks: Every slice gives you a totally different flavor experience, from pesto and creamy ricotta to salty prosciutto and a zippy egg salad.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The Heirloom Tomato Flight is jaw-droppingly colorful—guaranteed to impress at any table, picnic, or party.
- Ultra-Fast to Make: All you need is 10 minutes and the ripest tomatoes you can find for something that tastes fancy, but couldn’t be easier.
- Totally Customizable: You can play with cheeses, proteins, and toppings to make this recipe completely your own—dietary swaps and all!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you truly need for a Heirloom Tomato Flight is a handful of simple, fresh ingredients—each brings a splash of color, a burst of flavor, and a little playful texture to these tomato slices. Here’s how each element works its magic:
- Heirloom tomato: The star of the show! Do use the ripest, juiciest tomato you can find—a rainbow variety is extra lovely here.
- Flaky salt: A pinch on each tomato slice heightens all that sweet, summery juiciness.
- Basil pesto (or any pesto): The ultimate herbaceous punch—pesto gives the first “flight” a bright Italian twist.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta: Creamy and mild, these cheeses balance out the pesto and add luscious texture to Flight 1.
- Hot pepper oil: Just a drizzle brings heat and aroma—use as much or as little as you fancy.
- Coppa or prosciutto: Thin, salty, buttery slices of cured meat transform the second flight into something luxurious (and a little bit fancy!).
- Fior di latte (or any mozzarella): This tender cheese mellows the prosciutto beautifully—go for the freshest you can get.
- Crushed pistachios or walnuts: A crunchy sprinkle with nutty richness—choose your favorite depending on what’s in your pantry.
- Hot honey: Drizzling sweet heat over the second flight is honestly life-changing—you’ll want it on everything.
- Baked feta egg salad (or any egg salad): Brings creamy, savory, tangy vibes to the third slice—try my baked feta version for an addictively salty upgrade!
Variations
Making a Heirloom Tomato Flight is all about creativity—swap out toppings or mix-and-match flavors to fit your mood, the seasons, or what you’ve got on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegan Flight: Use your favorite vegan cheese and swap the prosciutto for seasoned tofu or creamy avocado—it’s just as decadent and totally plant-based.
- Mini Tomato Flights: Grab Campari tomatoes for adorable, bite-sized versions perfect for parties or snacking.
- Fresh Herb Explosion: Add a shower of arugula, basil, or microgreens to bring extra vibrance and nutrients.
- Board for a Crowd: Arrange a platter of tomato slices and set out bowls of different toppings so everyone can build their own dream tomato flight—just like a charcuterie board, but fresher!
How to Make Heirloom Tomato Flight
Step 1: Slice and Salt the Tomatoes
Start with your prettiest, ripest heirloom tomato—let it sit at room temperature for half an hour if you can, so the flavors really sing. Cut it into thick, juicy rounds and gently lay them out on a platter. Sprinkle each slice generously with flaky salt; you’ll instantly see the juices glisten as the flavor deepens.
Step 2: Build Your Tomato Flight Toppings
Now for the fun! Give each tomato round its own identity. For Flight 1, dollop a spoonful of basil pesto and your chosen cheese, then finish with a glossy drizzle of hot pepper oil. For Flight 2, layer thin shavings of coppa or prosciutto, add a slice of mozzarella, a sprinkle of nuts, and a zigzag of hot honey. For Flight 3, mound on a scoop of egg salad—try my baked feta egg salad for extra flavor. Don’t be shy; each bite should feel like a little celebration!
Step 3: Arrange and Serve
Gently arrange your adorned tomato slices on a serving platter so everyone can appreciate the full rainbow effect. Top with microgreens or herbs if you like, and serve right away—Heirloom Tomato Flight is all about those bold flavors at their absolute peak. Dig in while they’re fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Heirloom Tomato Flight
- Room Temperature Tomatoes Make Magic: Take your tomatoes out of the fridge well before slicing—their sweetness and aroma truly blossom at room temp.
- Salt First, Top Second: Always salt tomato slices right after cutting; it kicks up the flavor and keeps your toppings from slipping around.
- Mix and Match Toppings: Don’t be afraid to try different cheeses, nuts, or infused oils; this is your Heirloom Tomato Flight adventure!
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Tomatoes release juices as they sit, so assemble and eat promptly for peak freshness and presentation.
How to Serve Heirloom Tomato Flight
Garnishes
Dressing up your Heirloom Tomato Flight is part of the fun—sprinkle fresh microgreens, torn basil, or feathery dill over the top just before serving. Even a light dusting of extra flaky salt or a drizzle of fancy olive oil adds a little sparkle that makes these slices irresistible.
Side Dishes
This tomato flight pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough, grilled ciabatta, or a crisp green salad. For a more indulgent spread, set next to burrata, marinated olives, or thinly sliced steak for a filling meal that’s still bright and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Let guests build their own flights by setting out a board of tomato slices with bowls of toppings—think of it as a “tomato bar.” You can also layer them artfully on a large platter for a beautiful centerpiece, or stack bite-sized versions on skewers for cocktail parties. The rainbow of toppings is Insta-worthy no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge—but know that the tomatoes will become juicier as they sit, and the toppings may soften. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the Heirloom Tomato Flight, as tomatoes and cheese toppings lose their signature texture when thawed. It’s a dish best enjoyed fresh, celebrating the beauty of summer produce!
Reheating
No reheating needed here—these tomatoes are at their peak served cold or at room temperature. If you prep ahead, let leftovers sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before digging in.
FAQs
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What makes an Heirloom Tomato Flight different from a regular tomato salad?
The Heirloom Tomato Flight is all about celebrating individual slices with unique toppings—it’s a trio (or more!) of distinct flavor combinations, served in “flights” like a tasting board rather than tossed together like a standard salad. Each bite brings out a completely new experience!
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Can I make a Heirloom Tomato Flight if I don’t have all the ingredients listed?
Absolutely! The magic of a Heirloom Tomato Flight is that you can mix and match toppings with whatever you have on hand—different cheeses, meats, nuts, or even spreads like hummus or tapenade. The only rule is to have fun with the flavor pairings.
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Is a Heirloom Tomato Flight gluten-free?
It sure can be! All the core ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you’re set—as long as you don’t add any bread or gluten-containing toppings. Just double-check your pesto and honey for any additives if needed.
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How do I create a tomato flight board for a party?
To make a tomato flight board, simply arrange thick-sliced heirloom tomatoes on a large platter, place toppings in small bowls, and let everyone build their own custom tomato slices. It’s a colorful, interactive centerpiece—think charcuterie, but for tomato lovers!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate ode to summer, you can’t beat a Heirloom Tomato Flight. It’s vibrant, easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to wow the table—so go gather those gorgeous tomatoes and treat yourself to a dish that’s as joyful to make as it is to devour. Happy tomato tasting, friends!
Print
Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your tomato game with this Heirloom Tomato Flight recipe that offers a trio of delicious flavor combinations. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant appetizer, these tomato slices topped with various ingredients will impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
Heirloom Tomato Slices:
- 1 Heirloom tomato, sliced
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
Flight 1:
- 1 teaspoon basil pesto
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- Hot pepper oil, for drizzling
Flight 2:
- 2 slices Coppa or prosciutto
- 1 slice Fior di latte cheese (mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon crushed pistachios or walnuts
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Flight 3:
- 1/2 cup baked feta egg salad or any egg salad of choice
Instructions
- Slice the Heirloom Tomato: Slice a ripe heirloom tomato into thick rounds and sprinkle each slice with a pinch of salt.
- Assemble: Top each slice with one of the following combos:
- Flight 1: Basil pesto + cottage cheese (or ricotta) + hot pepper oil
- Flight 2: Coppa or prosciutto + crushed pistachios or walnuts + hot honey
- Flight 3: Baked feta egg salad
- Serve: Arrange the topped slices on a platter and serve immediately. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens.
Notes
- Nutrition note: Exact values may vary but estimated around 350 calories for all three flights. Calculate based on your ingredients and portions.
- Create a board: Make a tomato flight board for a crowd-pleasing option.
- Vegan substitutions: Use vegan cheeses and hearty ingredients for a vegan version.
- Greens: Top with microgreens, herbs, or arugula for extra nutrition.
- Mini flights: Try bite-sized versions with Campari tomatoes.
- Finishing touches: Drizzle with infused olive oil, vinaigrette, or hot honey.
- Room temp = max flavor: Allow tomatoes to sit out before serving for optimal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350
