heirloom tomato salad with nectarines avocado and arugula
Alaina Stagnitto
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients for a **heirloom tomato salad with nectarines, avocado, and arugula**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe stand out:
- **Heirloom tomatoes** (2-3 medium, sliced or chopped)
- **Nectarines** (2 ripe, sliced into thin wedges)
- **Avocado** (1 large, diced or sliced)
- **Arugula** (2 cups, fresh and washed)
- **Red onion** (1/4 cup, thinly sliced)
- **Fresh basil leaves** (1/4 cup, torn or chopped)
- **Extra virgin olive oil** (3 tbsp, for dressing)
- **Balsamic vinegar** (1 tbsp, for dressing)
- **Honey** (1 tsp, for a touch of sweetness)
- **Sea salt** (to taste)
- **Black pepper** (to taste, freshly ground)
- **Crumbled feta cheese** (optional, 1/4 cup for added flavor)
- **Toasted almonds or walnuts** (optional, 2 tbsp for crunch)
This **summer salad recipe** is perfect for a **healthy, fresh, and vibrant meal**, combining the sweetness of nectarines, the creaminess of avocado, and the tangy flavor of heirloom tomatoes. Great for **light lunches, picnics, or BBQ side dishes**!
Steps
# How to Make a Heirloom Tomato Salad with Nectarines, Avocado, and Arugula
This **heirloom tomato salad with nectarines, avocado, and arugula** is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light, healthy meal. Packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors for a delightful culinary experience. Follow these detailed steps to create this **easy summer salad** that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
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## **Ingredients for Heirloom Tomato Salad**
- 2-3 **heirloom tomatoes** (assorted colors for visual appeal)
- 1 ripe **nectarine** (sliced thinly)
- 1 ripe **avocado** (diced or sliced)
- 2 cups **arugula** (washed and dried)
- 1/4 cup **red onion** (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup **fresh basil leaves** (torn or whole)
- 1/4 cup **crumbled feta cheese** (optional, for added creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons **extra virgin olive oil**
- 1 tablespoon **balsamic vinegar**
- 1 teaspoon **honey** (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground **black pepper** (to taste)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Ingredients**
- Wash and dry the **heirloom tomatoes**, then slice them into wedges or thick rounds.
- Slice the **nectarine** into thin wedges, removing the pit.
- Dice or slice the **avocado** into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the **red onion** and tear the **basil leaves** into smaller pieces if desired.
### **2. Assemble the Salad Base**
- In a large salad bowl, spread the **arugula** evenly as the base layer.
- Arrange the **heirloom tomato slices**, **nectarine wedges**, and **avocado pieces** on top of the arugula.
- Scatter the **red onion slices** and **basil leaves** over the salad for added flavor and texture.
### **3. Add Optional Toppings**
- Sprinkle **crumbled feta cheese** over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast.
### **4. Make the Dressing**
- In a small bowl, whisk together the **extra virgin olive oil**, **balsamic vinegar**, and **honey** until well combined.
- Season the dressing with **salt** and **black pepper** to taste.
### **5. Dress the Salad**
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
### **6. Serve and Enjoy**
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors, or serve it as is for a beautifully plated dish.
- Pair this **heirloom tomato salad** with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Summer Salad**
- Use **ripe, seasonal produce** for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a handful of **toasted nuts** (like almonds or walnuts) for extra crunch.
- For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
This **heirloom tomato salad with nectarines, avocado, and arugula** is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s a **healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb** option that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Try this recipe today and savor the taste of summer!