21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (2024)

Maybe it's their array of colors or that every one is charmingly unique, but there's something about heirloom tomatoes that make us uncontrollably giddy — and hungry. In the past, maybe you've tossed them in a panzanella salad with chunks of crusty bread, cracked pepper and fresh basil, but these colorful heirloom tomato recipes have so much more to offer. Think kebabs, honey toast, and pizza.

You Won't Be Able To Get Enough Of These Heirloom Tomato Recipes

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (1)

Image via B+C

Grilled Cheese Kebabs

This dish magically marries heirloom tomatoes with our childhood favorite: grilled cheese. Char the cheese for a smoky flavor. (via Brit + Co)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (2)

Image via B+C

Fresh Basil, Watermelon, and Heirloom Tomato Salad

There's no flavor pairing like sweet and tart, and this salad proves it. Delicious watermelon and the sharp flavor of tomatoes is something you won't be able to get enough of — and neither will anyone else! (via Brit + Co)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (3)

Image via Adina at The Fast Recipe

Sugo Sauce

A sugo sauce is really just a red sauce that you can use on a variety of dishes like pasta, pizza, or eggplant parmesan. Talk about versatile! Usually the recipe calls for ingredients like onion, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar, but you can add any of your favorite spices as well. (via Brit + Co)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (4)

Image via B+C

Watermelon Radish Salad

Add another salad to your summer rotation with this colorful pick. There are *so* many colorful veggies and the oil and vinegar dressing is the perfect minimalist topping. (via Brit + Co)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (5)

Image via Foodie Crush

Frico Caprese Cups

Don't let their size fool you. These crispy Parmesan cups are full of flavor. They're packed with heirlooms, red peppers, capers, parsley, lemon zest and creamy goat cheese. (via Foodie Crush)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (6)

Image via The Cozy Apron

Crispy Fried Heirloom Tomatoes

Fry up some colorful heirlooms, layer in fresh mozzarella and basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's really that simple. (via The Cozy Apron)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (7)

Image via Healthy Green Kitchen

Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes With Fontina and Thyme

WARNING: This skillet recipe is sinful. You'll want to make it over… and over… and over again. (We apologize.) (via Healthy Green Kitchen)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (8)

Image via Ms. Belly

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Galette

If you have a special place in your heart for comfort food, you'll be all about this flaky, cheesy galette topped with lovely roasted heirlooms. (via Ms. Belly)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (9)

Image via Souvlaki for the Soul

Heirloom Tomato Ketchup

This homemade heirloom tomato ketchup is perfect for burgers, fries, scrambled eggs and whatever else you feel like spreading it on! (via Souvlaki for the Soul)

These Heirloom Tomato Recipes Are Delicious!!

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (10)

Image via A Cozy Kitchen

Heirloom Tomato Jam

A savory jam? Let's do this. Feel free to spread on eggy toast, veggies, and breakfast bagels. (via A Cozy Kitchen)

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Image via Taste with the Eyes

Couscous, Corn and Heirloom Tomato Salad

If you're looking for a hearty summer salad, look no further. And make sure to slice those heirlooms nice and thick. (via Taste with the Eyes)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (12)

Image via Baked Bree

Pork Carnitas With Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Whether you're chowing down on these slow cooker pork tacos or whipping up your weekly veggie ones, don't forget to toss on this heirloom tomato salsa, made with cabbage, radishes and red onions! (via Baked Bree)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (13)

Image via Cannelle et Vanille

Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup

Gazpacho and summer go hand in hand, but this bowl of chilled heirloom tomato soup will make an especially great addition to any warm weather menu. Seasoned with fresh oregano and garnished with avocado oil and shaved Manchego? We might just lick the bowl clean. (via Cannelle et Vanille)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (14)

Image via Souvlaki for the Soul

Heirloom Tomato Ladenia

Serve this summer ladenia at your next gathering for a delicious snack, but be sure to snatch a piece while you can. It won't last long. (via Souvlaki for the Soul)

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Image via Yummy Mummy Kitchen

Heirloom Tomato Lasagna

We know. Lasagna recipes are sacred. But sub in heirloom tomatoes for the regular reds and add baby spinach, kale and chard for a nutrient-packed summer meal that won't break with tradition too much. (via Yummy Mummy Kitchen)

The Whole Family Will Love These Heirloom Tomato Recipes

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (16)

Image via Oh My Veggies

Smoked Cheddar Grits

Heirloom tomato toppers bring some brightness to these smoked cheddar grits served in utterly adorable mini ramekins. (via Oh My Veggies)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (17)

Image via F for Food

Heirloom Tomato and Basil Frittata

Top your next frittata with heirloom tomatoes for a delicious and visually stunning dish. (And maybe be a little more generous than usual with the gruyere.) (via F for Food)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (18)

Image via How Sweet It is

Heirloom Tomato and Honey Drizzle Toast

In need of a quick bite? Grill up that sourdough loaf, slice a few fresh heirlooms, sprinkle with herbs and drizzle with honey. (via How Sweet It is)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (19)

Image via The Chef Wife Diaries

Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Ramp up your next watermelon salad with heirloom tomato quarters and crumbled goat cheese. (via The Chef Wife Diaries)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (20)

Image via Camille Styles

Grilled Heirloom Tomato Checca Pizza

Don't expect leftovers when you make this grilled pita bread pizza with heirloom tomato checca and fresh mozzarella. Because let's not kid ourselves here: We're definitely eating the whole thing in one sitting. (via Camille Styles)

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (21)

Image via Feasting at Home

Quinoa Chicken Salad With Heirloom Tomatoes

This no-lettuce salad is full of itsy bitsy heirloom tomatoes and tons of protein thanks to the chicken, quinoa and chickpeas. (via Feasting at Home)

Which of these tasty heirloom tomato recipes are you most excited to try first? Make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Oh My Veggies

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Samantha Andreacchi

A Bay Area native, Sam currently lives in Philadelphia and is loving the city of brotherly love. If she isn’t working, trying a new restaurant or window shopping on Walnut Street, she’s probably at home binging on Pinterest, making a mess in the kitchen (aka cooking) or trying to read three books at once.

21 Summertime Heirloom Tomato Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are heirloom tomatoes best used for? ›

Ways to Use Heirloom Tomatoes

Try them in salads like this Heirloom Tomato Salad with Rosemary or this Heirloom Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Basil. Or use them in place of regular tomatoes in tomato pie or burrata salad. They shine in a BLT, or can be enjoyed simply sliced with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

How do you eat heirloom tomatoes? ›

Cut tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices, lightly brush with olive oil and grill for a couple minutes or until charred and heated through. Serve in a salad or atop a burger. Also try cutting tomatoes in half and grilling, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a quick and easy side dish.

What's the difference between tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes? ›

Heirloom tomatoes are varieties that have been grown without crossbreeding for 40 or more years. This is in contrast to the typical supermarket tomatoes, which are hybrids that have been carefully crossbred to have particular characteristics.

Are heirloom tomatoes healthier than regular tomatoes? ›

Heirloom tomatoes provide a vast number of nutrients including potassium, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate and the cancer fighting antioxidant lycopene. Since they are picked when ripe and spend little time traveling from farm to plate, these nutrients are readily available to nourish your body.

Do heirloom tomatoes taste better than regular tomatoes? ›

The palette of colors and tastes are undoubtedly greater with the many heirloom cultivars. However, many of the hybrid plants also produce great tasting tomatoes, and I would be surprised if much detectable difference can be found between most heirlooms and hybrids through blind taste tests.

Should you refrigerate heirloom tomatoes? ›

The Short Answer: Don't Refrigerate Tomatoes

The standard rule is to keep tomatoes out of the refrigerator. It all comes down to science: Tomatoes contain an enzyme that reacts to cold temperatures, causing the cell membranes to break down and leaving you with a piece of fruit that's mushy and mealy.

Do heirloom tomatoes need to be refrigerated? ›

Avoid storing them in the refrigerator: Heirloom tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause them to lose flavor and become mealy. If you need to store heirloom tomatoes for an extended period of time, it is best to freeze them.

Can you eat heirloom tomatoes raw? ›

Absolutely, try to grow your own tomatoes and eat them straight off the plant! It makes for the ultimate sandwich too, aside from salad material! Slice it up, and put it on some fresh whole wheat multi grain bread, lightly buttered. Then add a sniff of salt and pepper.

What is the most flavourful tomato variety? ›

'Gold Medal' (beefsteak, indeterminate, heirloom c. 1920) is arguably the top bicolor for taste. The giant 1-3 lb fruits are perfectly marbled with red and yellow and are large, meaty, and juicy. It has won lots of taste tests where it has been described as luscious and superb.

Why are heirloom tomatoes hard to grow? ›

Poor disease resistance: Heirloom tomatoes may be more susceptible to diseases and pests compared to hybrid tomatoes, which can be bred for improved disease resistance. Variability: Heirloom tomatoes can be more variable in terms of fruit size, shape, and flavor compared to hybrid tomatoes, which can be more uniform.

When should I eat heirloom tomatoes? ›

Here are some indicators that we use when deciding whether an heirloom tomato is ready to eat: Check the color on the bottom of the tomato– the darker it is, the riper it is. What variety are your heirlooms? Red varieties should be a deep red when ripe, yellow varieties should be a deep yellow, and so on.

Why are heirloom tomatoes so expensive? ›

So, why are heirloom tomatoes more expensive? There aren't as many of them, they need quite a bit of care and time to ripen, and they're hard to ship. Every one of these factors contributes to a higher cost per tomato.

Do heirloom tomatoes taste different? ›

In general, heirlooms are commonly less seedy, more flavorful and colorful, and sweeter then hybrid tomatoes. Because they have been selected for flavor and not ease of production on a large-scale, they may be more susceptible to cracking and disease while in the field.

Are heirloom tomatoes harder to grow than regular tomatoes? ›

So what do these differences mean to you? Heirloom tomatoes grow true from seed, taste delicious and come in many different-colored varieties. However, they also are more prone to pests/disease, take longer to grow and do not produce as many tomatoes as a hybrid variety.

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