Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Savor the essence of summer with this vibrant Heirloom Tomato Salad, featuring a luxurious creamy blue cheese dressing. Utilizing the freshest seasonal tomatoes in an array of colors and sizes, this salad showcases their natural sweetness and juicy texture. The rich Roquefort cheese dressing, with hints of tarragon vinegar and fresh parsley, adds a delightful tang that beautifully complements the tomatoes. Perfect as a side dish at barbecues or a light main course, this salad is an effortless yet elegant way to celebrate the bounty of summer. Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa at Home cookbook, it promises to be a showstopper at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heirloom tomatoes
3 lbs (mixed colors and sizes, cored and sliced)
Kosher salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Roquefort cheese
1/2 lb (divided, crumbled)
Good mayonnaise
1 cup
Heavy cream
1/3 cup
Tarragon vinegar
2 teaspoons
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the tomatoes by coring them. For larger tomatoes, cut them into thick slices, while halving or quartering smaller ones. Arrange the sliced tomatoes beautifully on a large platter.
2
Sprinkle the arranged tomatoes generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to enhance their flavor.
3
In a food processor, combine half of the crumbled Roquefort cheese, mayonnaise, heavy cream, tarragon vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but still retains some chunky texture.
4
Drizzle the creamy blue cheese dressing over the layered tomatoes, ensuring even coverage.
5
Crumble the remaining Roquefort cheese over the top of the tomatoes.
6
Finish the salad by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over everything.
7
Serve the salad at room temperature for the best flavor and enjoy the fresh and rich tastes of summer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this salad?
The main ingredient is 3 pounds of heirloom tomatoes of mixed colors and sizes.
What type of dressing is used in this recipe?
A creamy blue cheese dressing made with Roquefort cheese, mayonnaise, and heavy cream is used.
Is this Heirloom Tomato Salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the recipe tags, this dish is gluten-free.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Larger tomatoes should be cored and cut into thick slices, while smaller ones should be halved or quartered.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for Roquefort cheese.
How much Roquefort cheese is needed in total?
You will need 1/2 pound of crumbled Roquefort cheese.
What is the serving temperature for this salad?
It is best served at room temperature to enhance the flavor.
Which cookbook inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the Barefoot Contessa at Home cookbook.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of tarragon vinegar.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the cheese, mayonnaise, cream, and vinegar for the dressing.
Should the dressing be completely smooth?
No, the mixture should be pulsed until well combined but still retains some chunky texture.
How much heavy cream is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of heavy cream.
What herb is used as a garnish?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, is sprinkled over the top.
When should I season the tomatoes?
Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper immediately after arranging them on the platter.
How is the Roquefort cheese divided?
Half of the cheese is blended into the dressing and the other half is crumbled over the top of the tomatoes.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or as a light main course.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the tomatoes.
What makes heirloom tomatoes a good choice for this salad?
Heirloom tomatoes offer a variety of colors, sizes, natural sweetness, and a juicy texture.
How much parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and described as effortless.
How do I arrange the tomatoes?
Arrange the sliced, halved, and quartered tomatoes beautifully on a large platter.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, nutritional values like calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided in this specific record.
Can I use any type of tomato?
While heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and appearance, the recipe focuses on using the freshest seasonal tomatoes.
What adds the 'tang' to the dressing?
The tarragon vinegar and Roquefort cheese provide the delightful tang.
Is black pepper used in both the tomatoes and the dressing?
Yes, it is sprinkled on the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon is added to the dressing mixture.
Is this a good dish for summer events?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for barbecues and summer dining.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What should I do if the tomatoes are different sizes?
Core them all, but slice the large ones and halve or quarter the small ones for a mixed presentation.
How do I finish the salad before serving?
Drizzle with dressing, crumble the remaining cheese, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.