This Colorful Tomato Medley is my official love letter to summer. It’s the recipe that was born from one of my favorite weekend rituals: a slow, wandering trip to the local farmers market on a sunny Saturday morning, with no list and no agenda, just a mission to see what looks good.
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens around mid-summer when the tomato tables at the market start to overflow. You see them from across the way—pints of tiny, sweet cherry tomatoes in shades of red, yellow, and orange, looking like little jewels. Next to them are the big, lumpy, incredibly beautiful heirloom tomatoes in stripes of green and deep purple. They are imperfect, and that’s what makes them so perfect.
That’s where the magic of this Colorful Tomato Medley comes in. It’s less of a formal “recipe” and more of a method for celebrating tomatoes at their absolute peak. It’s about taking the best that the season has to offer and doing as little as possible to it, just enough to make the flavors pop and sing. It’s a dish that tastes like sunshine, pure and simple.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with Colorful Tomato Medley
This isn’t a complicated dish it’s a celebration of simplicity, and that’s what makes it so special. Here’s why this Colorful Tomato Medley will become your new summer staple.
- It Tastes Like Pure Summer: This dish is all about the tomatoes. A simple dressing of good olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and some fresh herbs doesn’t cover up their flavor; it enhances it. Every bite is a burst of sweet, tangy, and bright flavor.
- It’s Unbelievably Quick and Easy: This is a 10-minute masterpiece. There’s no cooking involved, just some simple chopping and mixing. It’s the perfect, low-stress dish that delivers a huge flavor payoff with minimal effort.
- It’s Absolutely Stunning: This is one of the most beautiful side dishes you can put on a table. The vibrant mix of reds, yellows, oranges, and greens makes it a true showstopper. It’s a rainbow in a bowl that looks incredibly gourmet.
The Health Benefits of Colorful Tomato Medley
It’s always a bonus when a dish this beautiful and delicious is also incredibly good for you. This Colorful Tomato Medley is a nutritional powerhouse. Tomatoes are famously loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is wonderful for your health. By using a variety of different colored tomatoes, you are getting a broad spectrum of vitamins and nutrients. The simple dressing made with extra virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley add their own dose of vitamins. It’s a fresh, vibrant, and guilt-free way to enjoy the best of the season.
Perfect Occasions for Colorful Tomato Medley
- The Ultimate Summer BBQ or Potluck Side Dish: This is the perfect light, fresh counterpoint to heavy, smoky grilled meats. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and the first bowl to be emptied.
- A Simple and Elegant Side for a Weeknight Meal: This medley instantly elevates a simple piece of grilled chicken or fish into a special meal. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
- A Fantastic Light Lunch: On a hot day, a bowl of this Colorful Tomato Medley with a side of crusty bread and perhaps some fresh mozzarella or feta is a perfect, satisfying meal on its own.
This Colorful Tomato Medley is your key to capturing the fleeting, perfect flavor of summer in a bowl. Get ready to taste the sunshine.
Chef’s Notes: Colorful Tomato Medley
• Use the ripest, in-season tomatoes – Peak-season heirlooms offer the best balance of sweetness, acidity, and color. Look for firm flesh and vibrant hues—striped, golden, and deep red varieties add visual drama.
• Serve alongside grilled proteins or crusty bread – Complements the acidity and creaminess of the salad. Try pairing with grilled halloumi, seared tofu, or rosemary focaccia for a Mediterranean-style meal.
• Stir in diced avocado or cucumber – Avocado adds richness and healthy fats; cucumber introduces crunch and hydration. Both elevate the salad’s texture and nutritional profile.
• Hold off on cheese until serving – Prevents sogginess and preserves the creamy contrast. If prepping ahead, store cheese separately and crumble just before plating.
• Chill tomatoes briefly before slicing – Enhances refreshment factor and firms up flesh for cleaner cuts. Ideal for summer service or picnic spreads.
• Use a microplane for zesting herbs – For finer distribution of thyme and oregano, lightly grate leaves to release oils and intensify aroma.
• Balance vinaigrette acidity with sweetness – Maple syrup rounds out balsamic’s tang. Adjust ratios based on tomato variety—sweeter tomatoes may need less syrup.
• Layer herbs evenly across the platter – Ensures every bite gets a hit of basil, thyme, and oregano. Tear herbs gently to avoid bruising and preserve essential oils.
• Add hemp seeds for texture and nutrition – They offer omega-3s, protein, and a subtle nutty crunch. Toast lightly for extra depth.
• Use walnut or avocado oil for variation – Walnut oil adds richness and pairs beautifully with goat cheese; avocado oil offers a buttery finish with a neutral profile.
Colorful Tomato Medley
Picture this: ruby-red heirloom slices, bursts of cherry pops, fragrant basil, thyme, and oregano come together in under five minutes! This vibrant medley is drizzled with a tangy-sweet balsamic-maple vinaigrette and finished with creamy goat cheese (or smooth cashew cheese for a plant-based twist). Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, planning a bright brunch, or craving a speedy midweek side, this salad delivers show-stopping flavor with zero fuss. Get ready for the freshest, most colorful side dish of the season!
4
servings5
minutes0
minutes260
kcal5
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Produce Herbs
4 large heirloom tomatoes mixed colors, each cut into roughly ½-inch wedges
1/3 cup assorted cherry tomatoes sliced in half
2 tablespoons loosely torn fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme sprigs leaves stripped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- Dressings Seasoning
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finishing Touches
4 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese swap for cashew cheese for vegan
2 tablespoons hemp seeds optional for texture
- Alternative Ingredients
Goat cheese: replace with 4 tbsp cashew cheese ricotta, or labneh (dairy-free option)
Maple syrup: use agave nectar or honey for sweetness
Balsamic vinegar: swap with red wine vinegar plus a pinch of sugar
Hemp seeds: substitute sunflower seeds or toasted pine nuts
Extra-virgin olive oil: use avocado oil or walnut oil
Fresh herbs: dried herbs at one-third the amount e.g., 1 tsp each
Sea salt: kosher salt or pink Himalayan salt
Cherry tomatoes: campari or grape tomatoes can be used
Directions
- Produce Preparation – Slice and halve your tomatoes on a clean cutting board using a sharp chef’s knife. (2 minutes) Ensure tomatoes are ripe for maximum sweetness and vibrant color. Pat them dry on a paper towel if excess juice is a concern. Optional: Chill the fruit briefly for an extra-cool presentation.
- Vinaigrette Creation – In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup until fully emulsified. (1 minute) This blend marries sweet, tangy, and savory notes that coat the tomatoes evenly. Taste and adjust with a hair more salt or pepper if you like.
- Assembly Garnish – Arrange tomato wedges and halves on a serving platter. (1 minute) Scatter torn basil, thyme leaves, and oregano evenly over the top, then season with salt, pepper, and hemp seeds if using. Drizzle the vinaigrette over everything and finish with goat or cashew cheese crumbles. Serve immediately for the brightest flavors.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- Use the ripest, in-season tomatoes for peak sweetness and color.
- Serve alongside grilled proteins or crusty bread to make it a light main.
- Stir in diced avocado or cucumber for extra creaminess and crunch.
- Leftovers keep well for a few hours in the fridge—just hold off on cheese until serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 260kcal
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Potassium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 1000IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
FAQs: Colorful Tomato Medley
can I make this salad ahead of time
Yes, but with adjustments. Slice and season tomatoes up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Hold off on adding vinaigrette and cheese until just before serving to preserve texture and flavor integrity.
is this recipe vegan
It can be. Simply swap goat cheese for cashew cheese, almond ricotta, or a dollop of hummus. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based.
how do I choose the best heirloom tomatoes
Look for tomatoes with deep color, slight give when pressed, and visible marbling or striping. Avoid overly soft or bruised fruit. Heirlooms vary in sweetness and acidity—mixing types adds complexity.
what’s the nutritional value of this dish
Each serving delivers 260 kcal, 8g protein, 17g fat (mostly monounsaturated), and 5g fiber. It’s rich in potassium (850 mg), vitamin C (30 mg), and calcium (150 mg), making it a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich side.
can I use dried herbs instead of fresh
Yes. Use one-third the amount—about 1 tsp each of dried basil, thyme, and oregano. Rehydrate briefly in the vinaigrette to soften and release flavor.
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