Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad is an easy sidedish for any summertime meal! This hearty salad highlightsspicy arugula, crusty cornbread, shavedParmesancheese, & late summer heirloom tomatoes - all drizzled in olive oil and white balsamic vinegar.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (1)

Have I ever shared with you my love of Chipmunks?? How is it possible that something is so adorable!? With their teeny tiny T-Rex arms, their miniature fur-bodies and short little tails they hold straight up in the air like an antenna when they run. Sigh. I love them.❤️ They are my outdoor pets. So I’ve named them – of course. "Chips" is what I call them - except for the babies, which are all called "Nips" (did I mention I love them?).❤️

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (2)

Since we don’t deter them in any way, we have a small colony living around our property. Sometimes they take sun naps on our front porch. Yes – I know they’re sleeping 'cause their little eyes are closed. So precious I don’t have words. It’s really a wonderful compliment that they feel comfortable enough to take a nap on my porch. They pretty much have free reign of our property. And I’m ok with that.✌️

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (3)

Once in a while I’ll be sitting on the back patio and one will come running by – almost stepping on me. When they realize I’m there, they get all shocked and surprised like I’m this foreign object in the midst of their colony. And while that is probably true, it is my house, my yard and my patio - Hello! OK, who am I kidding – it’s all theirs. And as long as I get to watch them be adorable I’m totally fine with that.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (4)

Have you heard them chirp at each other? Their whole bodies shake. I’m not surprised, because for something so tiny they are really loud. Once in a while, usually in the morning one of them will chirpover and over again in this rapid fire sequence. It literally goes on for several minutes. We’ve decided it’s the momma Chips calling the all the baby Nips back home for a nap. (Swoon.)?

I’ve lived in multiple locations throughout my life, when I moved to New England it was the first time I saw a live chipmunk. Maybe that’s why they’re so special to me. And the fact that our house is a pet-free zone.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (5)

Unfortunately, there are some animal allergies in my household, thus no "inside pets." But I’ll keep enjoying my sweet Chips and Nips from afar... (one day I’ll get some chickens and maybe a goat, but that can just be between me and you).

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (6)

What does this have to do with and Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad you’re asking yourself? The answer is quite simply - absolutely nothing. Sorry I have no creative tie ins for all of this. I’m just a girl sitting on the back porch attempting to write a post about this amazing salad, getting distracted by all these teeny tiny precious chipmunks. You understand I’m sure. But this salad…

It’s so simple and so delicious!

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (7)

I have such a great appreciation for heirloom tomatoes. Their taste cannot be matched by other varieties. They are definitely one of my favorite things about summer.☀️

Because they’re so delicious, you really don’t want to distract from their incredible flavor.

So today's recipe is all about elevating the heirloom tomato to the baller status they deserve. I give you… Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad.?? Fresh, bright and super satisfying.✨

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (8)

First I whip up one of my cornbread recipes…. Caribbean Cornbread for something on the sweeter side, and Edith’s’ Cornbread for something a bit more savory. Then I either cut it into cubes and let it sit on the counter overnight, or I cube it and bake it at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. The goal is a slightly crunchy, dry cornbread crouton.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (9)

Next I cut my heirloom tomatoes into wedges and sprinkle with some salt and fresh ground pepper. Then mix together 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. And now we’re ready to assemble.

I scatter some baby arugula on a platter, and then layer on my tomatoes, and the cornbread. Then drizzle on the oil and vinegar mixture, sprinkle with some shaved Parmesan, more salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (10)

So easy, fresh and delicious! The prefect recipe to elevate those fancy tomatoes and give you a big ole plate of juicy summer goodness.

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (11)

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad - another tasty way to enjoy all the veggie delights that summer hasto offer. Buon Appetito!

I would love to connect with you! Leave a comment and follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest!

Yield: 6 servings

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (12)

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad - easy, fresh, delish! Heirloom tomatoes, homemade cornbread, white balsamic, olive oil, & shaved Parmesan on baby arugula.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3-4 cups of (one-inch) cubed sweet or savory cornbread
  • 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, (any color shape or size)
  • 2.5 ounces baby arugula, washed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish, (optional)

Instructions

  1. After cutting cornbread into one-inch cubes, either leave on counter overnight, or bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. You want it to dry out and become crusty. Allow cubed cornbread to fully cool before assembling the salad.
  2. Cut heirloom tomatoes into wedges (or in half if smaller) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Scatter baby arugula on a platter, then layer on tomatoes, cornbread, and fresh torn basil (if desired).
  5. Drizzle on the oil and vinegar mixture, sprinkle with more salt, freshly ground pepper, and shaved parmesan.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

6 ounces

Amount Per ServingCalories 191Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 19mgSodium 646mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 9gProtein 5g

Three Cheese Tomato Thyme Galette:

Sweet Cherry Tomatoes With French Feta:

Heirloom Tomato Cornbread Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to cut heirloom tomatoes for salad? ›

The best way to cut heirloom tomatoes is to start by removing the stem. Then, depending on your preference, you can slice them into thin rounds, wedges, or chunks. It is important to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts without squashing the delicate flesh of the tomato.

What are the best tomatoes for salads? ›

You can get the best results from using beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are naturally grown and come in a variety of colors, making your caprese salad more aesthetically pleasing and delicious. Beefsteak tomatoes are cross-bred and tend to have less of a sweet flavor than heirloom tomatoes.

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.

How do you remove seeds from heirloom tomatoes? ›

You can use any ripe tomato from the bush but a bruised or damaged one wouldn't waste anything and give you all the seeds you need. Smash the tomato in fine strainer and run some water through it and rub it around. You'll start to separate the seeds from the pulp and once done pull out and discard the pulp.

How do you keep heirloom tomatoes from cracking? ›

Mulch: Provide your plants with a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, pine needles, or shredded bark. Mulch helps maintain consistent soil moisture levels, and you'll deal with less splitting. Look for resistant varieties: Check the plant's label or seed catalog for types that resist splitting.

What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread? ›

She notes that Northern cornbread is sweeter, lighter, and more cake-like than Southern cornbread. Not surprisingly, it includes sugar (or molasses, in the earlier centuries), unlike traditional Southern cornbread.

What is cornbread called in the South? ›

Corn pones are a staple of Southern U.S. cuisine and have been discussed or referenced by many American writers, including Mark Twain.

What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling? ›

Cornmeal gives cornbread its classic color and flavor, but too much can make your bread crumbly. Try replacing a little bit of cornmeal with flour. The specific measurements will depend on how much cornmeal and flour is in your recipe, but you should try to have more flour than cornmeal in your batter.

What is the difference between beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes? ›

Beefsteak tomatoes, which can be either heirloom or hybrid, are notable for their size—they can weigh in at over a pound each, with a diameter of six or more inches—and their texture: They have smaller seed cavities than other types of tomatoes, giving them a greater ratio of flesh to juice and seeds.

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.

What's the big deal about heirloom tomatoes? ›

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 good for slicing? ›

Slicer heirloom tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches and other preparations where a juicier variety might cause a soggier final dish. The more robust inner structure also makes for a nice bite, often described as “meaty” in that the tomato is more resistant to the bite instead of soft and yielding.

How do you pick heirloom tomatoes from the store? ›

How do you pick heirloom tomatoes at the grocery store?
  1. Check out the skin: a ripe tomato should have smooth, shiny skin without splits, bruises, and mushy spots.
  2. Get a whiff: heirloom tomatoes pack a punch in flavor, and the ripe ones usually give off an earthy, yet mildly fruity scent.

Can you cut tomatoes ahead of time for salad? ›

You'll want to eat cut tomatoes later that same day, or stash in an airtight container in the fridge to use up within the next day or two. Any longer and they'll lose flavor, develop a dry “skin” on the cut flesh, and just not taste their best.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 6079

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.