Hearty Heirloom Tomato Salad
Having just returned from a wonderful trip to the San Francisco area, I was greeted by an empty refrigerator this morning. My first errand? A trip to the farmer’s market, of course! As I browsed the isles, the tomatoes started calling to me. Wanting something fresh for dinner, I started searching for more ingredients.
During the summer months, my favorite dinners always are built around a hearty salad. Produce is abundant, fresh and delicious. With not too much planning, you can whip up a flavorful raw food salad, throw on a handful of nuts and create a healthy, satisfying dinner.
After picking up some small heirloom tomatoes, the purple beans caught my eye. In the bag they went along with a purple onion. I knew I had fresh basil growing at home and a little of that combined with a balsamic vinaigrette would be just the trick. The final touch? A handful of walnuts to provide some more substance.
This salad is easy and good. A perfect dinner for the last few days we have left of summer.
Hearty Heirloom Tomato Salad with Purple Beans
Salad
- 3 cups small heirloom tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup purple and green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 small purple onion, quartered and sliced
- 1/4 cup basil, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- Toss all ingredients except basil together.
- Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup vineagrette over salad and toss to coat.
- Top with basil and serve.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or agave
- Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
- Pour all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth and thick.
Alison wrote on April 14, 2013
This absolutely is my favourite raw recipe website! Beyond the fact the evey single recipe I have made from here has been incredible, your pictures are stunning! I can spend hours just looking at them alone! Thank you for bringing us beautiful artwork along with beautiful recipes… Keep em coming!
aditi aggarwal wrote on March 13, 2013
This looks so amazing! I am just gonna use the dressing though for now! I wish you post a few dressings in a separate tab.. would love them 🙂
#newbie
Lizzy (Good Things) wrote on October 1, 2011
Love this, I have a bag of fresh walnuts waiting to be shelled. They will be perfect in your recipe.
Thanks for sharing!
Andrea wrote on September 2, 2011
Heirloom tomatoes, seems like we do not get all these varieties here in the Southern Hemisphere. I wish we could. Thanks Anyway, I suppose I can do it with any kind of tomato
John Marquez wrote on September 2, 2011
Great pictures! You made me hungry. Thanks for sharing.
Catherine wrote on August 31, 2011
I just love Heirloom tomatoes! I volunteer at our local food bank and I am always amazed how people will avoid picking them, thinking they are not right or damaged, and yet these tomatoes have so much flavor. Thank you for the recipe and may I suggest a raw heirloom tomato soup recipe –one of the Fall comfort foods.
GetSkinny GoVegan wrote on August 31, 2011
Wow. Our tomatoes are really not happy this year. Salad looks GREAT. Nothing like heirloom tomatoes. Think I need to hit farmer’s market today!
Kelli wrote on August 30, 2011
Beautiful. I spent time in the garden and have all of these ingredients! Thank you.